Aug. 31, 2008
By Taylor K. Vecsey and Marcie Young
New York Post
A pair of Long Islanders went toe-to-toe with a gator yesterday.
Lucky for them, the critter was a 33-inch toddler.
Ron Settino, a 63-year-old retiree from Franklin Square, said he'd spotted the American alligator dozens of times in a Hewlett pond since March.
Settino got a hand from fishing buddy, 20-year-old Jared Baglietto.
The duo wrapped some black electrical tape around the animal's jaw until wildlife officials could arrive.
All content © THE NEW YORK POST and may not be republished without permission.
8/24/08
Text marks the spat for Obama fans
3 a.m. news a very rude awakening
Aug. 24, 2008
By Ginger Adams Otis and Marcie Young
New York Post
OMG . . . It's 3 a.m. R U awake?
Maceo Brown wasn't.
The 25-year-old from Harlem was jolted out of a deep sleep in the wee hours yesterday by a text message from Barack Obama telling him that Joe Biden was his vice-presidential pick.
"It was the first time I've been upset with Obama in a long time, because he woke me up," Brown said yesterday.
"I got up and spent a lot of time on the computer - and I could have spent that time sleeping!" Brown joked.
He added that he's an avid Obama supporter and had been hoping to hear the news before it reached the mainstream media.
Jennifer Miles, 47, was also roused by Obama's late-night message, but she wanted the heads-up.
"I had the phone under my pillow waiting for the text," the interior designer from Harlem said.
"It's not usually there," she said.
The Obama camp isn't talking about when it decided to roll out its text and e-mail messages - but it failed in its goal to reach supporters before it hit the mainstream media.
"My feeling is that they had to speed things up by a few hours once it started to leak around midnight that it was Biden," said a source close to the Obama camp. "They were ready to go, but probably would have preferred to do it a little later."
Benjamin Cook was awake in Illinois when his text came in around 2:45 a.m.
At the time, he was waiting for a friend to keep him posted.
"My first reaction when I read the text was, what in the world is [Obama] doing sending out a text in the middle of the night?"
He assumed Obama was having fun with Hillary Rodham Clinton's infamous "red phone" ad that asked voters who should be in the White House for a 3 a.m. emergency.
"It seems like sort of a slam to Clinton. I don't know what that's going to do for party unity, but it's pretty funny," Cook said.
All content © THE NEW YORK POST and may not be republished without permission.
Aug. 24, 2008
By Ginger Adams Otis and Marcie Young
New York Post
OMG . . . It's 3 a.m. R U awake?
Maceo Brown wasn't.
The 25-year-old from Harlem was jolted out of a deep sleep in the wee hours yesterday by a text message from Barack Obama telling him that Joe Biden was his vice-presidential pick.
"It was the first time I've been upset with Obama in a long time, because he woke me up," Brown said yesterday.
"I got up and spent a lot of time on the computer - and I could have spent that time sleeping!" Brown joked.
He added that he's an avid Obama supporter and had been hoping to hear the news before it reached the mainstream media.
Jennifer Miles, 47, was also roused by Obama's late-night message, but she wanted the heads-up.
"I had the phone under my pillow waiting for the text," the interior designer from Harlem said.
"It's not usually there," she said.
The Obama camp isn't talking about when it decided to roll out its text and e-mail messages - but it failed in its goal to reach supporters before it hit the mainstream media.
"My feeling is that they had to speed things up by a few hours once it started to leak around midnight that it was Biden," said a source close to the Obama camp. "They were ready to go, but probably would have preferred to do it a little later."
Benjamin Cook was awake in Illinois when his text came in around 2:45 a.m.
At the time, he was waiting for a friend to keep him posted.
"My first reaction when I read the text was, what in the world is [Obama] doing sending out a text in the middle of the night?"
He assumed Obama was having fun with Hillary Rodham Clinton's infamous "red phone" ad that asked voters who should be in the White House for a 3 a.m. emergency.
"It seems like sort of a slam to Clinton. I don't know what that's going to do for party unity, but it's pretty funny," Cook said.
All content © THE NEW YORK POST and may not be republished without permission.
5/8/08
Falls through skylights injure 2 officers
Police saw a ladder, suspected a break-in
May 8, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Two police officers in Catawba County were injured early Wednesday morning, one seriously, when they fell through a roof.
The Longview officers were looking into what they thought was a break-in just after 4 a.m. at E.L. Hilts & Co., a roofing equipment and tools company. They had noticed an unlocked gate and a ladder leading to the roof, said Longview Police Chief Cecil Rogers.
One officer scaled the ladder first and fell through the roof while the other officer looked around the outside of the building, Rogers said. When the second officer couldn't get in touch with his colleague, he climbed onto the roof to look for him, Rogers said.
Two fiberglass-like skylights had been painted over with a sealant that matched the color of the roof, Rogers said, and when the officers stepped on the patches, the skylights gave way.
The first officer, Sgt. Michael Ford, fell about 20 feet to the ground. He received serious head injuries and was airlifted to Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem where he was listed in critical condition Wednesday night.
The second officer, Abelardo Maldonado, landed on a stairwell banister and was not seriously hurt.
Maldonado, who has been with Longview for more than two years, was treated and released at a Hickory hospital.
Police learned later that an employee who had been working on the roof had left the gate unlocked and a ladder leaning against the building.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
May 8, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Two police officers in Catawba County were injured early Wednesday morning, one seriously, when they fell through a roof.
The Longview officers were looking into what they thought was a break-in just after 4 a.m. at E.L. Hilts & Co., a roofing equipment and tools company. They had noticed an unlocked gate and a ladder leading to the roof, said Longview Police Chief Cecil Rogers.
One officer scaled the ladder first and fell through the roof while the other officer looked around the outside of the building, Rogers said. When the second officer couldn't get in touch with his colleague, he climbed onto the roof to look for him, Rogers said.
Two fiberglass-like skylights had been painted over with a sealant that matched the color of the roof, Rogers said, and when the officers stepped on the patches, the skylights gave way.
The first officer, Sgt. Michael Ford, fell about 20 feet to the ground. He received serious head injuries and was airlifted to Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem where he was listed in critical condition Wednesday night.
The second officer, Abelardo Maldonado, landed on a stairwell banister and was not seriously hurt.
Maldonado, who has been with Longview for more than two years, was treated and released at a Hickory hospital.
Police learned later that an employee who had been working on the roof had left the gate unlocked and a ladder leaning against the building.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
5/7/08
Property taxes an issue in several counties' races
Wed., May 7, 2008
By Marcie Young and Hannah Mitchell
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
Caldwell County
A 22.2 percent hike in property taxes cost two Caldwell County commissioners their seats Tuesday during the GOP primary.
Incumbents John Thuss and Faye Higgins were defeated by challengers Clay Bollinger, Ben Griffin and Rob Bratcher. Three other Republican challengers - Bill Oxford, Arnold Wilson and Steven Fekete - did not secure enough votes in unofficial returns to win the party's nomination.
Bollinger received 4,251 votes, Griffin 3,648 and Bratcher received 3,442 votes, followed by Oxford with 2,015, Thuss with 1,497, Higgins with 1,452; Wilson with 1,297 and Fekete with 649.
The winners of the Republican primary will go on to face Barbara Weiller, Randy Church and L.C. Coonse, the top vote-getting Democrats for one of three open seats. Those candidates defeated Jerry Cecil Coffey and Timothy Shore for their party's nomination.
Weiller received 5,133 votes, Church 5,013 and Coonse 4,499.
Challengers also said current commissioners have made bad decisions, citing new county building construction, giving large companies tax breaks and the budget-planning process.
Alexander County
Alexander County chose Democratic and Republican commissioner nominees in Tuesday's primaries to advance to the November election.
Glenn Deal Jr. and Danny Price won the Democratic primary, defeating Lisa Rudisill Bradley, Scott Mitchell and Cody Teague. Deal received 2,612 votes, Price 2,173, Mitchell 1,119 , Bradley 964 and Teague 719.
In the Republican primary, newcomer Ryan Mayberry and incumbent Larry Yoder defeated incumbent William Hammer and newcomer Eric Bumgarner. Mayberry received 1,415 votes and Yoder got 1,353 votes, followed by Hammer with 1,239 votes and Bumgarner with 1,017 votes.
Candidates from both parties criticized the incumbents, saying the property tax rate is too high and spending on some projects unnecessary.
Burke County
Two Republican incumbents in Burke County and a retired law enforcement officer and farmer secured the party's nomination for the county board of commissioners in the general election in November.
With all but one precinct reporting, incumbents Maynard Taylor and Jack Carroll and retired Burke County deputy Gene Huffman defeated challenger Johnnie Carswell.
In the Democratic primary, Bruce Hawkins Sr., Steven Smith and Angela Deal defeated Leonard Ray and J. Pascal.
Deal withdrew from the race last week, but election officials said they could not remove her name because the ballot had already been printed. It was not clear Tuesday night who would be the party's third pick for the general election.
Candidates are vying for one of three open seats. Challengers from both parties have said recruiting industry and finding ways to replenish jobs in an area once controlled by furniture and hosiery factories are paramount.
Catawba County
Incumbents Barbara Beatty and Dan Hunsucker easily defeated challengers in Tuesday's GOP Catawba County commissioner primary.
Beatty and Hunsucker defeated challengers Jack Beach and Phillip Parlier to advance to the November general election, when they face Democrat George McClellan.
The challengers criticized the incumbents for raising the property tax rate last year. The increase came in a property tax revaluation year, creating a double-whammy effect. But the incumbents said they would keep the tax rate stable since voters approved a quarter-cent increase in the sales tax to help pay for services.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young and Hannah Mitchell
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
Caldwell County
A 22.2 percent hike in property taxes cost two Caldwell County commissioners their seats Tuesday during the GOP primary.
Incumbents John Thuss and Faye Higgins were defeated by challengers Clay Bollinger, Ben Griffin and Rob Bratcher. Three other Republican challengers - Bill Oxford, Arnold Wilson and Steven Fekete - did not secure enough votes in unofficial returns to win the party's nomination.
Bollinger received 4,251 votes, Griffin 3,648 and Bratcher received 3,442 votes, followed by Oxford with 2,015, Thuss with 1,497, Higgins with 1,452; Wilson with 1,297 and Fekete with 649.
The winners of the Republican primary will go on to face Barbara Weiller, Randy Church and L.C. Coonse, the top vote-getting Democrats for one of three open seats. Those candidates defeated Jerry Cecil Coffey and Timothy Shore for their party's nomination.
Weiller received 5,133 votes, Church 5,013 and Coonse 4,499.
Challengers also said current commissioners have made bad decisions, citing new county building construction, giving large companies tax breaks and the budget-planning process.
Alexander County
Alexander County chose Democratic and Republican commissioner nominees in Tuesday's primaries to advance to the November election.
Glenn Deal Jr. and Danny Price won the Democratic primary, defeating Lisa Rudisill Bradley, Scott Mitchell and Cody Teague. Deal received 2,612 votes, Price 2,173, Mitchell 1,119 , Bradley 964 and Teague 719.
In the Republican primary, newcomer Ryan Mayberry and incumbent Larry Yoder defeated incumbent William Hammer and newcomer Eric Bumgarner. Mayberry received 1,415 votes and Yoder got 1,353 votes, followed by Hammer with 1,239 votes and Bumgarner with 1,017 votes.
Candidates from both parties criticized the incumbents, saying the property tax rate is too high and spending on some projects unnecessary.
Burke County
Two Republican incumbents in Burke County and a retired law enforcement officer and farmer secured the party's nomination for the county board of commissioners in the general election in November.
With all but one precinct reporting, incumbents Maynard Taylor and Jack Carroll and retired Burke County deputy Gene Huffman defeated challenger Johnnie Carswell.
In the Democratic primary, Bruce Hawkins Sr., Steven Smith and Angela Deal defeated Leonard Ray and J. Pascal.
Deal withdrew from the race last week, but election officials said they could not remove her name because the ballot had already been printed. It was not clear Tuesday night who would be the party's third pick for the general election.
Candidates are vying for one of three open seats. Challengers from both parties have said recruiting industry and finding ways to replenish jobs in an area once controlled by furniture and hosiery factories are paramount.
Catawba County
Incumbents Barbara Beatty and Dan Hunsucker easily defeated challengers in Tuesday's GOP Catawba County commissioner primary.
Beatty and Hunsucker defeated challengers Jack Beach and Phillip Parlier to advance to the November general election, when they face Democrat George McClellan.
The challengers criticized the incumbents for raising the property tax rate last year. The increase came in a property tax revaluation year, creating a double-whammy effect. But the incumbents said they would keep the tax rate stable since voters approved a quarter-cent increase in the sales tax to help pay for services.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Allran survives challenger in 42nd; In 44th, Democrat Cates beats political newcomer
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
By Hannah Mitchell and Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
Longtime Republican state Sen. Austin Allran survived a serious primary challenge Tuesday from Catawba County commissioner Kitty Barnes, moving toward another two-year term representing the 42nd District.
No Democrats were running.
With all but three precincts reporting, Allran led 65 percent to Barnes' 35 percent.
The 42nd covers Catawba County and part of Iredell.
The race turned testy early, with Barnes accusing Allran of breaking a no-taxes pledge because he supported hotel occupancy tax increases requested by local governments, and with Allran calling Barnes a liberal.
In the short campaign season, Barnes portrayed Allran as out of touch with constituents, ineffective, and unwilling to work with the Democratic power structure in Raleigh to help the district.
Allran, who has served in the senate for 22 years, countered that Barnes has stymied economic development in Catawba County by being too eager to raise taxes and said she has no experience in state lawmaking.
Allran said he wants to develop the district's economy by working to cut the state's corporate and personal income tax rates to stimulate business while decreasing spending on economic incentives used to lure big corporations.
Senate District 44
In the neighboring 44th District, which serves Burke and Caldwell counties, a former Burke County commissioner beat out a political newcomer for the Democratic party's nomination.
Based on partial results, Jim Cates, a former schoolteacher who served as a Burke County commissioner for seven years before stepping down in 1985, easily defeated former Marine officer and truck driver Danny Hefner of Lenoir.
Cates, 70, will face Republican incumbent Jim Jacumin of Rutherford College. Jacumin, 71, is seeking his third term.
With all but 12 precincts reporting, Cates received 65 percent versus Hefner's 35 percent.
Cates, who lives in Morganton, said bringing new industry, finding ways to conserve energy, education and health care are big issues, and that he's focusing on listening to voters' concerns rather than pinpointing specific issues.
Hefner, 42, said he would like to focus on bringing more jobs and a better economy to a region hit hard by the recent exodus of furniture jobs, finding ways to provide affordable health care and better benefits for teachers.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Hannah Mitchell and Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
Longtime Republican state Sen. Austin Allran survived a serious primary challenge Tuesday from Catawba County commissioner Kitty Barnes, moving toward another two-year term representing the 42nd District.
No Democrats were running.
With all but three precincts reporting, Allran led 65 percent to Barnes' 35 percent.
The 42nd covers Catawba County and part of Iredell.
The race turned testy early, with Barnes accusing Allran of breaking a no-taxes pledge because he supported hotel occupancy tax increases requested by local governments, and with Allran calling Barnes a liberal.
In the short campaign season, Barnes portrayed Allran as out of touch with constituents, ineffective, and unwilling to work with the Democratic power structure in Raleigh to help the district.
Allran, who has served in the senate for 22 years, countered that Barnes has stymied economic development in Catawba County by being too eager to raise taxes and said she has no experience in state lawmaking.
Allran said he wants to develop the district's economy by working to cut the state's corporate and personal income tax rates to stimulate business while decreasing spending on economic incentives used to lure big corporations.
Senate District 44
In the neighboring 44th District, which serves Burke and Caldwell counties, a former Burke County commissioner beat out a political newcomer for the Democratic party's nomination.
Based on partial results, Jim Cates, a former schoolteacher who served as a Burke County commissioner for seven years before stepping down in 1985, easily defeated former Marine officer and truck driver Danny Hefner of Lenoir.
Cates, 70, will face Republican incumbent Jim Jacumin of Rutherford College. Jacumin, 71, is seeking his third term.
With all but 12 precincts reporting, Cates received 65 percent versus Hefner's 35 percent.
Cates, who lives in Morganton, said bringing new industry, finding ways to conserve energy, education and health care are big issues, and that he's focusing on listening to voters' concerns rather than pinpointing specific issues.
Hefner, 42, said he would like to focus on bringing more jobs and a better economy to a region hit hard by the recent exodus of furniture jobs, finding ways to provide affordable health care and better benefits for teachers.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
5/4/08
Paid to train: recruits learn and earn
Chief says the process helps lure good officers
May 4, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY - Anitra Maldonado was looking for a career change.
She had been working as a medical assistant for several years, but after returning from a stint in Kuwait with the Navy Reserves, the 31-year-old mother wanted to do something new.
Police work had always intrigued her, she said, but that required taking the basic law enforcement training course, which runs more than eight hours a day for four months. With three kids younger than 10, working a full-time job and being a full-time student just wasn't going to happen, she said.
But then, Maldonado heard that the Hickory Police Department was looking to recruit officers and would be willing to pay not just for the training course but a salary, too.
Maldonado applied - a lengthy process that includes a physical fitness test, drug screening, background check, polygraph and psychological assessment. When she graduates this month, she will already be a paid member of the Hickory police.
Covering the salaries for a select number of recruits to go through law enforcement training is one way the Hickory Police Department is expanding its applicant base in hopes of getting a more diverse pool of potential officers.
Five years ago, said Chief Tom Adkins, the Police Department was having a difficult time finding qualified applicants and needed an incentive to get people with life experience to join the force.
The problem, he said, is that those people often had families and couldn't afford to be out of work while they went through training.
So, in 2005, the Hickory Police Department decided to offer a full-time salary - reduced by 15 percent off the starting pay of about $30,000 a year - to one officer to go through the training and then join the force after graduation.
In the years since, Adkins said, the department has expanded the program and now pays for six recruits to go through training and guarantees them, if they do well, a job on patrol.
Capt. Jay Jackson, who oversees Hickory's Support Services division, said paying recruits a salary during training allows the department to be more competitive with other law enforcement agencies and encourages more qualified people to apply.
"When we open it up, we can get 60 applicants," he said. "And because of that ... we're finding people with college degrees who want to make a career change. This is the only way they could afford to do it."
The process starts with an intense physical fitness test to assess whether the applicant is able to do everything that would be required of a patrol officer.
If they can't pass the test - which includes running, sit-ups and pushups, among other things - they can't advance in the application process, said Sgt. Tom Freeman, who picks the recruits the Police Department will pay during training.
Maldonado was one of six recruits hired by the Hickory police at the beginning of the year and has since been taking the basic law enforcement classes at Western Piedmont Community College.
She graduates May 16, and by the end of the month will be patrolling Hickory's streets.
"It's a great opportunity for education and advancement," she said. "And that extra security of already having a job is nice, too."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
May 4, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY - Anitra Maldonado was looking for a career change.
She had been working as a medical assistant for several years, but after returning from a stint in Kuwait with the Navy Reserves, the 31-year-old mother wanted to do something new.
Police work had always intrigued her, she said, but that required taking the basic law enforcement training course, which runs more than eight hours a day for four months. With three kids younger than 10, working a full-time job and being a full-time student just wasn't going to happen, she said.
But then, Maldonado heard that the Hickory Police Department was looking to recruit officers and would be willing to pay not just for the training course but a salary, too.
Maldonado applied - a lengthy process that includes a physical fitness test, drug screening, background check, polygraph and psychological assessment. When she graduates this month, she will already be a paid member of the Hickory police.
Covering the salaries for a select number of recruits to go through law enforcement training is one way the Hickory Police Department is expanding its applicant base in hopes of getting a more diverse pool of potential officers.
Five years ago, said Chief Tom Adkins, the Police Department was having a difficult time finding qualified applicants and needed an incentive to get people with life experience to join the force.
The problem, he said, is that those people often had families and couldn't afford to be out of work while they went through training.
So, in 2005, the Hickory Police Department decided to offer a full-time salary - reduced by 15 percent off the starting pay of about $30,000 a year - to one officer to go through the training and then join the force after graduation.
In the years since, Adkins said, the department has expanded the program and now pays for six recruits to go through training and guarantees them, if they do well, a job on patrol.
Capt. Jay Jackson, who oversees Hickory's Support Services division, said paying recruits a salary during training allows the department to be more competitive with other law enforcement agencies and encourages more qualified people to apply.
"When we open it up, we can get 60 applicants," he said. "And because of that ... we're finding people with college degrees who want to make a career change. This is the only way they could afford to do it."
The process starts with an intense physical fitness test to assess whether the applicant is able to do everything that would be required of a patrol officer.
If they can't pass the test - which includes running, sit-ups and pushups, among other things - they can't advance in the application process, said Sgt. Tom Freeman, who picks the recruits the Police Department will pay during training.
Maldonado was one of six recruits hired by the Hickory police at the beginning of the year and has since been taking the basic law enforcement classes at Western Piedmont Community College.
She graduates May 16, and by the end of the month will be patrolling Hickory's streets.
"It's a great opportunity for education and advancement," she said. "And that extra security of already having a job is nice, too."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Candidates take on taxes, jobs
Heated races in all corners of the Unifour build on voter and challenger frustration
May 4, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Seven big races are dominating the Catawba Valley political scene, and on Tuesday voters will pick their parties' nominees for the general election in November.
Dozens of candidates are vying for seats on boards of commissioners across the Unifour, and four others are competing in two N.C. Senate districts. U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry is also facing a Republican challenger, while two Democrats vie for their party's nomination for the House seat.
Here's your guide to help you prepare before casting that ballot.
Caldwell commissioners
Eight Republicans and five Democrats are vying to run for one of three open seats on the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners in one of the region's most heated races.
Challengers say they are frustrated with decisions made by commissioners in the past year, ranging from the county manager's salary to building renovations. Though they point to what they say are missteps by the board, most challengers agree that the biggest reason they're running is this year's 22.2 percent hike in property taxes.
GOP incumbents Faye Higgins and John Thuss will face challengers Clay Bollinger, Rob Bratcher, Ben Griffin, Steven Fekete, Bill Oxford and Arnold Wilson.
Democrats Randy Church, Jerry Coffey, L.C. Coonse, Timothy Shore and Barbara Weiller are hoping to secure their party's nomination.
Catawba commissioners
Catawba County commissioners knew when they raised the property tax rate last year that the decision wouldn't sit well with some constituents.
The increase, which came in a tax revaluation year that raised most owners' property values, continues to be an issue as two commissioners run for re-election. Commissioners voted to raise the property tax rate 9 percent last year.
Incumbents Barbara Beatty and Dan Hunsucker are competing against challengers Jack Beach and Phillip Parlier for the Republican Party's nominations. The winners face Democrat George McClellan in the fall.
The current five-member board of commissioners is all Republican.
Burke commissioners
Four Republicans and four Democrats are seeking their parties' nominations to run for one of three open seats on the board, and all say recruiting industry and finding ways to replenish jobs in an area once controlled by furniture and hosiery factories are paramount.
Incumbents Maynard Taylor and Jack Carroll are facing two other Republicans, Johnnie Carswell and Gene Huffman, in Tuesday's primary. Republican commissioner Wesley Abele, elected in 2004, is not seeking a second term.
Democratic challengers - Bruce Hawkins Sr., Steven Smith, Leonard Ray and John Pascal - are also hoping to go on to the general election in November.
Alexander commissioners
Alexander County is seeing one of its most competitive elections in years as candidates in both major political parties seek two seats on the all-Republican board of county commissioners.
Incumbents William Hammer and Larry Yoder, both Republicans, are up against two Republican challengers, Eric Bumgarner and Ryan Mayberry.
Five Democrats are running in the primary: Lisa Rudisill Bradley, Glenn Deal Jr., Scott Mitchell, Danny Price and Cody Teague.
The top two vote-getters in each party advance to the November general election.
Republicans have dominated the board since 2002, when voters put Democrats out of power.
N.C. Senate District 42
Veteran state Sen. Austin Allran of Hickory is facing a serious challenge in Catawba County commissioners' Chairman Kitty Barnes of Terrell. While he has easily defeated foes of the past, this year's matchup is particularly competitive.
No Democrats filed to run, so the winner is headed for a two-year term representing District 42, which covers Catawba County and part of Iredell County.
Allran said his tenure proves he's represented his constituents' values and that they appreciate his conservatism, honesty, conviction and common-sense approach.
Barnes said she would provide vision and work with both parties to benefit the district's economy. Her record, she said, proves she can do that.
N.C. Senate District 44
The Democratic primary race for the 44th Senate District has a political newcomer who has spent three years preparing for a bid and a former commissioner who says his people skills make him the best pick.
Former Marine officer and truck driver Danny Hefner of Lenoir and retired schoolteacher and former Burke County commissioner Jim Cates of Morganton are vying for the Democratic nomination for the seat, which represents Burke and Caldwell counties.
The winner will face Republican Jim Jacumin, who is seeking his third term.
U.S. House, 10th District
A retired military judge is challenging U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry for the Republican party's nomination in the race for the 10th Congressional District seat.
Two Democrats, a retired businessman and an attorney, are also hoping to claim the seat.
Republican Lance Sigmon and McHenry are vying for their party's nomination, while Steve Ivester and Daniel Johnson seek the Democratic nod.
Sigmon is a retired military trial judge now in private law practice. Steve Ivester is a retired Hickory businessman and engineer, and Johnson is a former Navy ensign who made national headlines in 1999 after he lost his legs trying to save a fellow sailor.
-Staff Writer Hannah Mitchell contributed
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
May 4, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Seven big races are dominating the Catawba Valley political scene, and on Tuesday voters will pick their parties' nominees for the general election in November.
Dozens of candidates are vying for seats on boards of commissioners across the Unifour, and four others are competing in two N.C. Senate districts. U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry is also facing a Republican challenger, while two Democrats vie for their party's nomination for the House seat.
Here's your guide to help you prepare before casting that ballot.
Caldwell commissioners
Eight Republicans and five Democrats are vying to run for one of three open seats on the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners in one of the region's most heated races.
Challengers say they are frustrated with decisions made by commissioners in the past year, ranging from the county manager's salary to building renovations. Though they point to what they say are missteps by the board, most challengers agree that the biggest reason they're running is this year's 22.2 percent hike in property taxes.
GOP incumbents Faye Higgins and John Thuss will face challengers Clay Bollinger, Rob Bratcher, Ben Griffin, Steven Fekete, Bill Oxford and Arnold Wilson.
Democrats Randy Church, Jerry Coffey, L.C. Coonse, Timothy Shore and Barbara Weiller are hoping to secure their party's nomination.
Catawba commissioners
Catawba County commissioners knew when they raised the property tax rate last year that the decision wouldn't sit well with some constituents.
The increase, which came in a tax revaluation year that raised most owners' property values, continues to be an issue as two commissioners run for re-election. Commissioners voted to raise the property tax rate 9 percent last year.
Incumbents Barbara Beatty and Dan Hunsucker are competing against challengers Jack Beach and Phillip Parlier for the Republican Party's nominations. The winners face Democrat George McClellan in the fall.
The current five-member board of commissioners is all Republican.
Burke commissioners
Four Republicans and four Democrats are seeking their parties' nominations to run for one of three open seats on the board, and all say recruiting industry and finding ways to replenish jobs in an area once controlled by furniture and hosiery factories are paramount.
Incumbents Maynard Taylor and Jack Carroll are facing two other Republicans, Johnnie Carswell and Gene Huffman, in Tuesday's primary. Republican commissioner Wesley Abele, elected in 2004, is not seeking a second term.
Democratic challengers - Bruce Hawkins Sr., Steven Smith, Leonard Ray and John Pascal - are also hoping to go on to the general election in November.
Alexander commissioners
Alexander County is seeing one of its most competitive elections in years as candidates in both major political parties seek two seats on the all-Republican board of county commissioners.
Incumbents William Hammer and Larry Yoder, both Republicans, are up against two Republican challengers, Eric Bumgarner and Ryan Mayberry.
Five Democrats are running in the primary: Lisa Rudisill Bradley, Glenn Deal Jr., Scott Mitchell, Danny Price and Cody Teague.
The top two vote-getters in each party advance to the November general election.
Republicans have dominated the board since 2002, when voters put Democrats out of power.
N.C. Senate District 42
Veteran state Sen. Austin Allran of Hickory is facing a serious challenge in Catawba County commissioners' Chairman Kitty Barnes of Terrell. While he has easily defeated foes of the past, this year's matchup is particularly competitive.
No Democrats filed to run, so the winner is headed for a two-year term representing District 42, which covers Catawba County and part of Iredell County.
Allran said his tenure proves he's represented his constituents' values and that they appreciate his conservatism, honesty, conviction and common-sense approach.
Barnes said she would provide vision and work with both parties to benefit the district's economy. Her record, she said, proves she can do that.
N.C. Senate District 44
The Democratic primary race for the 44th Senate District has a political newcomer who has spent three years preparing for a bid and a former commissioner who says his people skills make him the best pick.
Former Marine officer and truck driver Danny Hefner of Lenoir and retired schoolteacher and former Burke County commissioner Jim Cates of Morganton are vying for the Democratic nomination for the seat, which represents Burke and Caldwell counties.
The winner will face Republican Jim Jacumin, who is seeking his third term.
U.S. House, 10th District
A retired military judge is challenging U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry for the Republican party's nomination in the race for the 10th Congressional District seat.
Two Democrats, a retired businessman and an attorney, are also hoping to claim the seat.
Republican Lance Sigmon and McHenry are vying for their party's nomination, while Steve Ivester and Daniel Johnson seek the Democratic nod.
Sigmon is a retired military trial judge now in private law practice. Steve Ivester is a retired Hickory businessman and engineer, and Johnson is a former Navy ensign who made national headlines in 1999 after he lost his legs trying to save a fellow sailor.
-Staff Writer Hannah Mitchell contributed
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
5/2/08
1 killed, two hurt in officer-involved shooting
Office fired, but officials unsure whose bullet killed Paul Vang
May 2, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The man killed in a triple shooting in the parking lot of a Hickory shopping center Wednesday night shot his wife and her male companion, police said.
A Hickory police officer shot at Paul Vang, but police said it was not certain the officer's bullet killed the Conover man.
Hickory police said Vang shot his wife and another man before officers arrived at the Gateway Plaza on U.S. 70.
Officer Jonathan Barnes was the first to arrive, authorities said, and saw a man holding a handgun and standing over a woman.
Barnes ordered the man, later identified as Vang, to drop his weapon, police said. Capt. Clyde Deal said Vang ignored the officer's commands and fired shots in Barnes' direction.
Barnes also fired, but it was not clear which man fired first, police said. Police would not say how many times Barnes fired. A press release from the department said Vang died at the hospital from gunshot wounds.
Deal said police are also looking into the possibility that Vang turned the gun on himself. An autopsy would determine that, Deal said. That could take several days.
Barnes, who has been with the Hickory police for more than two years, was not injured.
Police said they believe Vang shot his wife, 37-year-old Sandy Vang, and the man with her, 27-year-old Xao Vue.
Sandy Vang, shot in the lower body, was in fair condition Thursday morning at Carolinas Medical Center. Vue, shot in the head, was in critical condition at Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, police said.
Authorities Thursday were still trying to piece together exactly what led to the shootings, which happened outside Jason's Deli and Barnes & Noble. Both businesses were still open when the shots were fired.
Barnes has been put on administrative leave with pay, which is the department's policy when an officer shoots someone. The State Bureau of Investigation is also looking into the shooting.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
May 2, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The man killed in a triple shooting in the parking lot of a Hickory shopping center Wednesday night shot his wife and her male companion, police said.
A Hickory police officer shot at Paul Vang, but police said it was not certain the officer's bullet killed the Conover man.
Hickory police said Vang shot his wife and another man before officers arrived at the Gateway Plaza on U.S. 70.
Officer Jonathan Barnes was the first to arrive, authorities said, and saw a man holding a handgun and standing over a woman.
Barnes ordered the man, later identified as Vang, to drop his weapon, police said. Capt. Clyde Deal said Vang ignored the officer's commands and fired shots in Barnes' direction.
Barnes also fired, but it was not clear which man fired first, police said. Police would not say how many times Barnes fired. A press release from the department said Vang died at the hospital from gunshot wounds.
Deal said police are also looking into the possibility that Vang turned the gun on himself. An autopsy would determine that, Deal said. That could take several days.
Barnes, who has been with the Hickory police for more than two years, was not injured.
Police said they believe Vang shot his wife, 37-year-old Sandy Vang, and the man with her, 27-year-old Xao Vue.
Sandy Vang, shot in the lower body, was in fair condition Thursday morning at Carolinas Medical Center. Vue, shot in the head, was in critical condition at Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, police said.
Authorities Thursday were still trying to piece together exactly what led to the shootings, which happened outside Jason's Deli and Barnes & Noble. Both businesses were still open when the shots were fired.
Barnes has been put on administrative leave with pay, which is the department's policy when an officer shoots someone. The State Bureau of Investigation is also looking into the shooting.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
4/27/08
Hopefuls zero in on '07 tax hike
Eight vie in GOP contestes; 5 Dems seek nomination
April 27, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A decision to hike property taxes more than 22 percent last year has become the key issue incumbent commissioners in Caldwell County are being forced to defend as primary day approaches.
Commissioners passed a sharp property tax hike last year, which challengers from both parties say is one of the top reasons that motivated them to run for one of three open seats.
Incumbent Republicans John Thuss and Faye Higgins will face six other candidates vying for the GOP's nomination, three of whom have formed a bloc and hope to fill all of the board's open seats. Five Democrats are also hoping to secure their party's nomination.
The winners of the May 6 Republican primary will go on to face the three top vote-getting Democrats.
Longtime Republican commissioner Herb Greene's seat is also open, but he is not seeking re-election.
Beyond the tax increase, challengers from both sides say current commissioners have made bad decisions, citing the county manager's salary, building a new Department of Social Services building, giving large companies tax incentives, and how the board plans the budget.
Incumbents, meanwhile, argue that the board has been making sound decisions, like creating better educational opportunities, boosting economic prospects and making sure county buildings are in good condition and able to provide quality service.
The Republicans
Thuss, a retired veterinarian, has served on the board for two stints, from 1988 to 1992 and from 1996 until now. Having a bevy of challengers in the Caldwell County primary is normal, but his opponents, he said, don't fully understand what commissioners have to consider when making budget decisions.
They have to adhere to mandates issued by the state and federal government, he said, while keeping a fund balance and juggling each department's budget.
"What do you want us to cut?" he said. "That's what they don't understand. They want the service to be top of the line and for people to be the best trained. But that costs money, and that's what taxes cover."
Commissioners, he said, are trying to satisfy all of these demands while also finding ways to bring new industry and jobs to the county while recovering from the exodus of furniture factories in recent years.
Higgins, who was elected to the board in 2004 and retired from the Department of Social Services, voted against the tax increase and said she would like to see commissioners pass a quarter-cent sales tax referendum to help meet budget needs.
"It doesn't seem right to make property owners shoulder most of the taxes," she said. "There has to be a better way to handle that."
Higgins also said she will focus on bringing new industry and jobs to the county and finding ways to bring more educational opportunities, like the Appalachian State University extension program.
Retired businessman Clay Bollinger, textile director Rob Bratcher and real estate developer Ben Griffin are running as a group and say their 98 years of collective business experience make them the best candidates.
"(County government) is a $78 million business, and it's absolutely not being run that way right now," Bollinger said.
The men said they would look at the budget in the long term, setting goals beyond the fiscal year and looking forward as far as 2018.
"You have to have planning and not chaos," said Griffin, who has made three unsuccessful commissioner bids. "By balancing the budget and living within our means, we can find a workable plan for the future that we can afford and prosper with."
Bratcher, who has spent his entire life in Caldwell, said he and his running mates would also like to make sure their children have long-term educational and professional opportunities and won't feel forced to seek better jobs outside the county.
"I'd prefer my son, who's a freshman, and my daughter, who is graduating this year, to live in Caldwell County and have rewarding careers here," he said.
Steven Fekete, meanwhile, said his reason for running was simple.
"I'm tired of complaining," he said.
He's frustrated with the property tax increase, he said, especially when commissioners decided to give incentives to Google that would slash the company's taxes for several years.
"There is no justification for giving a billion-dollar company handouts for coming to Caldwell," he said.
Fekete, a mechanic, said he would also try to trim the budget by cutting services he doesn't think are necessary, like air-conditioning at the county jail and forgoing tax incentives for companies looking at coming to Caldwell.
Bill Oxford, a furniture manager retiring next week, served on the Cajah's Mountain Board of Alderman for eight years and said his experience of working with budgets would benefit the county.
"The biggest thing that I hear is that people want change," he said. "I don't think anyone is satisfied with where we are and where we're going."
He said he would find ways to control spending by looking at each department's request and see what could be trimmed.
Arnold Wilson, a business owner making his first bid for office, did not return several messages left by the Observer.
The Democrats
The key issues - the tax increase and jobs - have varied little between the parties, with candidates saying they want to focus on bringing fresh ideas to the board and allowing residents to be more involved with decisions.
Barbara Weiller, a retired banker and former member of the Caldwell County School Board, said she would bring decades of business and political experience.
Weiller said she has already met with most of the mayors in the county's chartered municipalities and wants to make sure every community feels involved. She would also like to have better communication with each county department.
"I want to let them know I'm interested in their communities," she said. "I plan on being as open to everyone as I can."
Randy Church, a former chief of the Lenoir Fire Department, retired from the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office in December and said his years working in the community would benefit the board.
Church, who's running based on a "common-sense approach," said bringing Google to Caldwell was a good first step that needs to be followed up with fresh ideas.
Jerry Coffey, meanwhile, drives a tiny, lime green and fuel-efficient car and said he would like to encourage Caldwell residents to look for ways to conserve energy. Beyond that, he said, he would like to implement a "monitoring system" in which one person hired by the county would review every tax dollar commissioners propose spending and present it to the community before voting.
"The people in Caldwell County need to know they are stockholders in the county, and they need to approve of what's happening with their money," he said.
"We're going to have to address the issues with more out-of-the-box kind of thinking about how we are going to recruit new business," he said. "(It's going to require) some unconventional thinking."
L.C. Coonse, a retired schoolteacher, said he hasn't seen the leadership from commissioners that he thinks is necessary to run a county. Watching taxes soar, he said, was just one thing that motivated him to run.
"There has been a lot of reaction to problems, and all that causes is more reactions to more problems. It's a spiral," he said.
Coonse said he would like to review all the numbers commissioners are privy to and set objectives for long-range financial plans that would allow the county to stay within its budget from year to year.
That's a plan that Timothy Shore, who has run for a commissioner seat twice before, said commissioners need to implement if they are going put the county back into the global economy.
The tax increase, he said, could have been a much softer blow if the board had been thinking about the budget in four-year increments rather than one. Setting priorities for life's necessities, he said, is something he does with his money and something he expects commissioners to do as well.
"If families have to tighten their budgets, the county needs to do the same," he said.
About the tax increase
On June 18, commissioners approved, in a 3-to-1 vote, a 12-cent property tax increase that would fund a $77.5 million operating budget. Faye Higgins voted against the tax hike.
The board initially considered an 18.5 percent tax increase but voiced concerns about residents still struggling with unemployment and low wages being able to handle the hike. When they gathered to vote two weeks later, however, the board decided against the 18.5 percent hike and raised taxes more - to 22.2 percent.
The new rate, 65.99 cents for every $100 of value, means that taxes on a $150,000 house would be $989.85, an increase of $180 a year.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
April 27, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A decision to hike property taxes more than 22 percent last year has become the key issue incumbent commissioners in Caldwell County are being forced to defend as primary day approaches.
Commissioners passed a sharp property tax hike last year, which challengers from both parties say is one of the top reasons that motivated them to run for one of three open seats.
Incumbent Republicans John Thuss and Faye Higgins will face six other candidates vying for the GOP's nomination, three of whom have formed a bloc and hope to fill all of the board's open seats. Five Democrats are also hoping to secure their party's nomination.
The winners of the May 6 Republican primary will go on to face the three top vote-getting Democrats.
Longtime Republican commissioner Herb Greene's seat is also open, but he is not seeking re-election.
Beyond the tax increase, challengers from both sides say current commissioners have made bad decisions, citing the county manager's salary, building a new Department of Social Services building, giving large companies tax incentives, and how the board plans the budget.
Incumbents, meanwhile, argue that the board has been making sound decisions, like creating better educational opportunities, boosting economic prospects and making sure county buildings are in good condition and able to provide quality service.
The Republicans
Thuss, a retired veterinarian, has served on the board for two stints, from 1988 to 1992 and from 1996 until now. Having a bevy of challengers in the Caldwell County primary is normal, but his opponents, he said, don't fully understand what commissioners have to consider when making budget decisions.
They have to adhere to mandates issued by the state and federal government, he said, while keeping a fund balance and juggling each department's budget.
"What do you want us to cut?" he said. "That's what they don't understand. They want the service to be top of the line and for people to be the best trained. But that costs money, and that's what taxes cover."
Commissioners, he said, are trying to satisfy all of these demands while also finding ways to bring new industry and jobs to the county while recovering from the exodus of furniture factories in recent years.
Higgins, who was elected to the board in 2004 and retired from the Department of Social Services, voted against the tax increase and said she would like to see commissioners pass a quarter-cent sales tax referendum to help meet budget needs.
"It doesn't seem right to make property owners shoulder most of the taxes," she said. "There has to be a better way to handle that."
Higgins also said she will focus on bringing new industry and jobs to the county and finding ways to bring more educational opportunities, like the Appalachian State University extension program.
Retired businessman Clay Bollinger, textile director Rob Bratcher and real estate developer Ben Griffin are running as a group and say their 98 years of collective business experience make them the best candidates.
"(County government) is a $78 million business, and it's absolutely not being run that way right now," Bollinger said.
The men said they would look at the budget in the long term, setting goals beyond the fiscal year and looking forward as far as 2018.
"You have to have planning and not chaos," said Griffin, who has made three unsuccessful commissioner bids. "By balancing the budget and living within our means, we can find a workable plan for the future that we can afford and prosper with."
Bratcher, who has spent his entire life in Caldwell, said he and his running mates would also like to make sure their children have long-term educational and professional opportunities and won't feel forced to seek better jobs outside the county.
"I'd prefer my son, who's a freshman, and my daughter, who is graduating this year, to live in Caldwell County and have rewarding careers here," he said.
Steven Fekete, meanwhile, said his reason for running was simple.
"I'm tired of complaining," he said.
He's frustrated with the property tax increase, he said, especially when commissioners decided to give incentives to Google that would slash the company's taxes for several years.
"There is no justification for giving a billion-dollar company handouts for coming to Caldwell," he said.
Fekete, a mechanic, said he would also try to trim the budget by cutting services he doesn't think are necessary, like air-conditioning at the county jail and forgoing tax incentives for companies looking at coming to Caldwell.
Bill Oxford, a furniture manager retiring next week, served on the Cajah's Mountain Board of Alderman for eight years and said his experience of working with budgets would benefit the county.
"The biggest thing that I hear is that people want change," he said. "I don't think anyone is satisfied with where we are and where we're going."
He said he would find ways to control spending by looking at each department's request and see what could be trimmed.
Arnold Wilson, a business owner making his first bid for office, did not return several messages left by the Observer.
The Democrats
The key issues - the tax increase and jobs - have varied little between the parties, with candidates saying they want to focus on bringing fresh ideas to the board and allowing residents to be more involved with decisions.
Barbara Weiller, a retired banker and former member of the Caldwell County School Board, said she would bring decades of business and political experience.
Weiller said she has already met with most of the mayors in the county's chartered municipalities and wants to make sure every community feels involved. She would also like to have better communication with each county department.
"I want to let them know I'm interested in their communities," she said. "I plan on being as open to everyone as I can."
Randy Church, a former chief of the Lenoir Fire Department, retired from the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office in December and said his years working in the community would benefit the board.
Church, who's running based on a "common-sense approach," said bringing Google to Caldwell was a good first step that needs to be followed up with fresh ideas.
Jerry Coffey, meanwhile, drives a tiny, lime green and fuel-efficient car and said he would like to encourage Caldwell residents to look for ways to conserve energy. Beyond that, he said, he would like to implement a "monitoring system" in which one person hired by the county would review every tax dollar commissioners propose spending and present it to the community before voting.
"The people in Caldwell County need to know they are stockholders in the county, and they need to approve of what's happening with their money," he said.
"We're going to have to address the issues with more out-of-the-box kind of thinking about how we are going to recruit new business," he said. "(It's going to require) some unconventional thinking."
L.C. Coonse, a retired schoolteacher, said he hasn't seen the leadership from commissioners that he thinks is necessary to run a county. Watching taxes soar, he said, was just one thing that motivated him to run.
"There has been a lot of reaction to problems, and all that causes is more reactions to more problems. It's a spiral," he said.
Coonse said he would like to review all the numbers commissioners are privy to and set objectives for long-range financial plans that would allow the county to stay within its budget from year to year.
That's a plan that Timothy Shore, who has run for a commissioner seat twice before, said commissioners need to implement if they are going put the county back into the global economy.
The tax increase, he said, could have been a much softer blow if the board had been thinking about the budget in four-year increments rather than one. Setting priorities for life's necessities, he said, is something he does with his money and something he expects commissioners to do as well.
"If families have to tighten their budgets, the county needs to do the same," he said.
About the tax increase
On June 18, commissioners approved, in a 3-to-1 vote, a 12-cent property tax increase that would fund a $77.5 million operating budget. Faye Higgins voted against the tax hike.
The board initially considered an 18.5 percent tax increase but voiced concerns about residents still struggling with unemployment and low wages being able to handle the hike. When they gathered to vote two weeks later, however, the board decided against the 18.5 percent hike and raised taxes more - to 22.2 percent.
The new rate, 65.99 cents for every $100 of value, means that taxes on a $150,000 house would be $989.85, an increase of $180 a year.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
2 square off in race for senate
Hefner, Cates vie for democratic nomination
April 27, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Democratic primary race for the 44th Senate District has a political newcomer who has spent three years preparing for a bid and a former commissioner who says his people skills make him the best pick.
Former Marine officer and truck driver Danny Hefner of Lenoir and retired schoolteacher and former Burke County commissioner Jim Cates of Morganton are vying for the Democratic nomination for the open Senate seat, which represents Burke and Caldwell counties.
The winner will face Republican Jim Jacumin of Rutherford College. Jacumin, a 71-year-old retired engineer, is seeking his third term.
Hefner, 42, spent 13 years in the Marines and served four tours of duty in the Middle East and South Korea. He has been driving a truck across the country in the years since he was discharged from the military in 1996, and for the past three years has been talking to people as he's traveled across the state about what they want to see in their state politicians.
"This is not a whim for me," he said.
Hefner said he would like to focus on bringing more jobs and a better economy to a region hit hard by the recent exodus of furniture jobs, finding ways to provide affordable health care and better benefits for teachers.
Cates, 70, said he recently decided to venture back into politics after a 23-year hiatus from public office. Cates, who taught at Western Piedmont Community College and in Burke and Caldwell schools, served as a Burke County commissioner for seven years before stepping down in 1985.
"A couple months ago I mentioned to someone that I wondered if I could beat Jimmy Jacumin," he said. "I figured with my years on the board of commissioners and my education, I could stack up to him."
Though Cates said bringing new industry, finding ways to conserve energy, education and health care are big issues, he's focusing more on listening to voters' concerns rather than pinpointing specific issues.
"I'm still in the formulation stages of things," he said. "But when I'm informed of issues in the area, I will go to the gizzards chasing the pros and cons and taking it as far as it can go."
The men, who face off in the May 5 primary, say they would be a good fit for the state Senate because they understand the people in the district and say constituents would benefit from new representation.
Hefner's plans would include proposing legislation to implement a toll for cars traveling in and out of the state and to use that income to subsidize health care. He's also looking into ways to pay teachers more, including proposing that each resident pay an additional 52 cents a year to fund salary increases.
"We need to pay our teachers what they are worth," he said. "Would it be worth one penny a week to have your child schooled better? It's worth it to me."
Cates said he's "making a big deal out of the fact that I'm not pushing any one issue" and that he plans to focus on all the concerns district residents bring to him. He acknowledges that creating good educational opportunities and recruiting new industry are paramount, he said, but wants people to know that he'll work hard to find solutions for their problems.
"I'm trying to be a totally open-minded person," he said. "I'm a bottom-up kind of guy. You tell me what's going on and we'll take it from there."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
April 27, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Democratic primary race for the 44th Senate District has a political newcomer who has spent three years preparing for a bid and a former commissioner who says his people skills make him the best pick.
Former Marine officer and truck driver Danny Hefner of Lenoir and retired schoolteacher and former Burke County commissioner Jim Cates of Morganton are vying for the Democratic nomination for the open Senate seat, which represents Burke and Caldwell counties.
The winner will face Republican Jim Jacumin of Rutherford College. Jacumin, a 71-year-old retired engineer, is seeking his third term.
Hefner, 42, spent 13 years in the Marines and served four tours of duty in the Middle East and South Korea. He has been driving a truck across the country in the years since he was discharged from the military in 1996, and for the past three years has been talking to people as he's traveled across the state about what they want to see in their state politicians.
"This is not a whim for me," he said.
Hefner said he would like to focus on bringing more jobs and a better economy to a region hit hard by the recent exodus of furniture jobs, finding ways to provide affordable health care and better benefits for teachers.
Cates, 70, said he recently decided to venture back into politics after a 23-year hiatus from public office. Cates, who taught at Western Piedmont Community College and in Burke and Caldwell schools, served as a Burke County commissioner for seven years before stepping down in 1985.
"A couple months ago I mentioned to someone that I wondered if I could beat Jimmy Jacumin," he said. "I figured with my years on the board of commissioners and my education, I could stack up to him."
Though Cates said bringing new industry, finding ways to conserve energy, education and health care are big issues, he's focusing more on listening to voters' concerns rather than pinpointing specific issues.
"I'm still in the formulation stages of things," he said. "But when I'm informed of issues in the area, I will go to the gizzards chasing the pros and cons and taking it as far as it can go."
The men, who face off in the May 5 primary, say they would be a good fit for the state Senate because they understand the people in the district and say constituents would benefit from new representation.
Hefner's plans would include proposing legislation to implement a toll for cars traveling in and out of the state and to use that income to subsidize health care. He's also looking into ways to pay teachers more, including proposing that each resident pay an additional 52 cents a year to fund salary increases.
"We need to pay our teachers what they are worth," he said. "Would it be worth one penny a week to have your child schooled better? It's worth it to me."
Cates said he's "making a big deal out of the fact that I'm not pushing any one issue" and that he plans to focus on all the concerns district residents bring to him. He acknowledges that creating good educational opportunities and recruiting new industry are paramount, he said, but wants people to know that he'll work hard to find solutions for their problems.
"I'm trying to be a totally open-minded person," he said. "I'm a bottom-up kind of guy. You tell me what's going on and we'll take it from there."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
4/10/08
Paralyzed officer sets new life in motion
SWAT team member was shot in neck; adapts to life in wheelchair
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
ATLANTA --Detective Martin Lawing sat in his wheelchair and looked at his car.
The four-door, 1989 Mercedes had been in Atlanta for less than a day -- driven down by colleagues at the Burke County Sheriff's Office -- and Lawing was hoping to conquer it.
Four months ago, getting into a sedan was easy for the 31-year-old former Army Ranger, like brushing his teeth or pulling on a pair of pants.
But that was before Lawing, a SWAT team member, went to work on Dec. 11. Before a mentally ill, 60-year-old woman was charged with shooting him in the neck during a standoff. Before he became a quadriplegic.
Now, Lawing, who used to run daily and had been dubbed "the most in shape" deputy by colleagues, is learning how to live his life from a wheelchair.
He's been told he'll never walk and has been forced to adjust the plans he had for his life. But he's determined to focus on recovering and not spend time thinking about what he's lost.
"Your future is kind of bleak when you've got tubes coming out of you and everyone is saying you'll never walk again or use your hands," he said Friday during his last week of in-patient physical therapy at the Shepherd Center, a spinal cord injury hospital. "But if you stay mad about it all the time, you're not doing anything good for yourself."
He's resolute, also, about getting back to his job as a narcotics officer, even if that means a desk job and working in the courts.
"It's not all undercover work," he said. "There's a lot more to it than that."
Doctors have classified Lawing as "C7 incomplete," which means he can't walk or feel much below his chest but has some limited use of his hands.
For three months Lawing has been meeting daily with therapists -- physical, occupational, psychological and recreational -- to adjust to his new reality.
Wednesday was Lawing's first day living away from the hospital in an off-campus apartment, a landmark that brings him closer to moving back to Morganton with his wife, Leslie, and their 2-year-old daughter, Isabella.
Every week, he's noticed himself getting stronger and doing more than doctors said he should have expected.
"There have been a lot of little instances, like being able to pick up a piece of paper or being able to pick up a potato chip and eat it with my hands," he said. "Little things like that."
The right attitude can go a long way, doctors say.
"The patients who get better ... are the folks who focus on what they can do rather than the folks who focus on what they've lost," said Dr. Brock Bowman, associate medical director of Shepherd's spinal injury program. "Thinking, `Why me, why now?' are totally normal human emotions, but that doesn't maximize getting better like pushing forward and focusing on the future."
Getting stronger
Lawing wakes up about 6 a.m. every day, though he doesn't usually have to be at therapy until after 8. Everything he could do quickly and without help before can now take hours, he said.
Doctors say it takes about 18 months before a body will respond fully to treatment but every patient reacts differently. That makes it difficult to predict what Lawing will be able to do in a year, or 20 years.
"Nobody wants to give you false hope and say you're going to walk again or use your hands," Lawing said. "But I've gotten a lot stronger since I've been here. Every day it's like, `That's something new.' "
Signing his name, using a strap that attaches a pen to his hand, takes a few minutes, while two attempts to climb into the Mercedes last week took about an hour and required the aid of his father, his wife and a therapist.
"This is what it means to get out of the house," his wife said. "He's 6-3 and has got long legs to get in there. That's not easy."
Occupational therapists teach him how to get dressed in bed and show him how to maneuver his legs into his pants. Sometimes it takes a half hour and he gets frustrated.
But he tries to focus on just one part of his therapy at a time rather than worry about all the things he must learn to do differently.
"You just have to take the task in front of you and move on," he said. "If you take it all in, it's just too much."
Long-term goals
Lawing can't tell when Leslie, his wife of eight years and an intensive care unit nurse, places his legs onto the pedals of the electronic stationary bike that stimulates his muscles, he said. But he can feel his father, John, pat his upper back and can feel his mother, Jane, rest her hands on his shoulders.
Over time, he's been able to extend his fingers and his arms have gotten strong enough to partially lift his 175-pound frame. That's more than doctors predicted, he said.
The achievements allowed doctors to reclassify his injury and therapists to set higher goals, including learning how to move himself from bed or a car into his wheelchair without help.
Lawing still has another six weeks or so of daily out-patient therapy at Shepherd but is already setting long-term goals beyond the hospital. He wants to go back to work and has talked with his wife about learning to kayak or start cycling with a hand propelled bicycle.
"He's got such a positive attitude. When you talk about going to (physical therapy), he never says, `I just want to stay in bed,' " said his mother, Jane. "He's so determined and so anxious to do everything he can do."
For now, Lawing's just trying to stay focused on getting better and is taking one thing at a time -- like getting into his car so he can take a ride and see Atlanta and eventually get back home.
An outpouring of support
In the weeks after the shooting, Burke deputies kept vigil at Carolinas Medical Center, where Lawing was before moving to Shepherd. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, still coping with the deaths of two officers months before, paid for a hotel room for Lawing's parents and brought food. "This is what we do," said John Collins, a CMPD officer who also planned a fundraiser. "We take care of each other."
Law enforcement officers and communities across the state have planned several other fundraisers, including 5K runs, barbecue dinners and bluegrass concerts, and Lawing has received hundreds of letters offering encouragement.
It's these little gestures, his father, John, said, that mean the most. "There was a little lady who sent $3 to the Sheriff's Office," he recalled. "It was the last bit of money she had in her pocketbook. She knew nothing about Martin, but she gave him all she had."
Want to help?
Checks and money orders can be sent to the Fraternal Order of Police, c/o Martin Lawing Fund, P.O. Box 1216, Morganton, NC 28680. Write "Martin Lawing Fund" in the memo line.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission. Photo by Jeff Willhelm.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
ATLANTA --Detective Martin Lawing sat in his wheelchair and looked at his car.
The four-door, 1989 Mercedes had been in Atlanta for less than a day -- driven down by colleagues at the Burke County Sheriff's Office -- and Lawing was hoping to conquer it.
Four months ago, getting into a sedan was easy for the 31-year-old former Army Ranger, like brushing his teeth or pulling on a pair of pants.
But that was before Lawing, a SWAT team member, went to work on Dec. 11. Before a mentally ill, 60-year-old woman was charged with shooting him in the neck during a standoff. Before he became a quadriplegic.
Now, Lawing, who used to run daily and had been dubbed "the most in shape" deputy by colleagues, is learning how to live his life from a wheelchair.
He's been told he'll never walk and has been forced to adjust the plans he had for his life. But he's determined to focus on recovering and not spend time thinking about what he's lost.
"Your future is kind of bleak when you've got tubes coming out of you and everyone is saying you'll never walk again or use your hands," he said Friday during his last week of in-patient physical therapy at the Shepherd Center, a spinal cord injury hospital. "But if you stay mad about it all the time, you're not doing anything good for yourself."
He's resolute, also, about getting back to his job as a narcotics officer, even if that means a desk job and working in the courts.
"It's not all undercover work," he said. "There's a lot more to it than that."
Doctors have classified Lawing as "C7 incomplete," which means he can't walk or feel much below his chest but has some limited use of his hands.
For three months Lawing has been meeting daily with therapists -- physical, occupational, psychological and recreational -- to adjust to his new reality.
Wednesday was Lawing's first day living away from the hospital in an off-campus apartment, a landmark that brings him closer to moving back to Morganton with his wife, Leslie, and their 2-year-old daughter, Isabella.
Every week, he's noticed himself getting stronger and doing more than doctors said he should have expected.
"There have been a lot of little instances, like being able to pick up a piece of paper or being able to pick up a potato chip and eat it with my hands," he said. "Little things like that."
The right attitude can go a long way, doctors say.
"The patients who get better ... are the folks who focus on what they can do rather than the folks who focus on what they've lost," said Dr. Brock Bowman, associate medical director of Shepherd's spinal injury program. "Thinking, `Why me, why now?' are totally normal human emotions, but that doesn't maximize getting better like pushing forward and focusing on the future."
Getting stronger
Lawing wakes up about 6 a.m. every day, though he doesn't usually have to be at therapy until after 8. Everything he could do quickly and without help before can now take hours, he said.
Doctors say it takes about 18 months before a body will respond fully to treatment but every patient reacts differently. That makes it difficult to predict what Lawing will be able to do in a year, or 20 years.
"Nobody wants to give you false hope and say you're going to walk again or use your hands," Lawing said. "But I've gotten a lot stronger since I've been here. Every day it's like, `That's something new.' "
Signing his name, using a strap that attaches a pen to his hand, takes a few minutes, while two attempts to climb into the Mercedes last week took about an hour and required the aid of his father, his wife and a therapist.
"This is what it means to get out of the house," his wife said. "He's 6-3 and has got long legs to get in there. That's not easy."
Occupational therapists teach him how to get dressed in bed and show him how to maneuver his legs into his pants. Sometimes it takes a half hour and he gets frustrated.
But he tries to focus on just one part of his therapy at a time rather than worry about all the things he must learn to do differently.
"You just have to take the task in front of you and move on," he said. "If you take it all in, it's just too much."
Long-term goals
Lawing can't tell when Leslie, his wife of eight years and an intensive care unit nurse, places his legs onto the pedals of the electronic stationary bike that stimulates his muscles, he said. But he can feel his father, John, pat his upper back and can feel his mother, Jane, rest her hands on his shoulders.
Over time, he's been able to extend his fingers and his arms have gotten strong enough to partially lift his 175-pound frame. That's more than doctors predicted, he said.
The achievements allowed doctors to reclassify his injury and therapists to set higher goals, including learning how to move himself from bed or a car into his wheelchair without help.
Lawing still has another six weeks or so of daily out-patient therapy at Shepherd but is already setting long-term goals beyond the hospital. He wants to go back to work and has talked with his wife about learning to kayak or start cycling with a hand propelled bicycle.
"He's got such a positive attitude. When you talk about going to (physical therapy), he never says, `I just want to stay in bed,' " said his mother, Jane. "He's so determined and so anxious to do everything he can do."
For now, Lawing's just trying to stay focused on getting better and is taking one thing at a time -- like getting into his car so he can take a ride and see Atlanta and eventually get back home.
An outpouring of support
In the weeks after the shooting, Burke deputies kept vigil at Carolinas Medical Center, where Lawing was before moving to Shepherd. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, still coping with the deaths of two officers months before, paid for a hotel room for Lawing's parents and brought food. "This is what we do," said John Collins, a CMPD officer who also planned a fundraiser. "We take care of each other."
Law enforcement officers and communities across the state have planned several other fundraisers, including 5K runs, barbecue dinners and bluegrass concerts, and Lawing has received hundreds of letters offering encouragement.
It's these little gestures, his father, John, said, that mean the most. "There was a little lady who sent $3 to the Sheriff's Office," he recalled. "It was the last bit of money she had in her pocketbook. She knew nothing about Martin, but she gave him all she had."
Want to help?
Checks and money orders can be sent to the Fraternal Order of Police, c/o Martin Lawing Fund, P.O. Box 1216, Morganton, NC 28680. Write "Martin Lawing Fund" in the memo line.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission. Photo by Jeff Willhelm.
4/7/08
Teen killed, father injured in wreck
Monday, April 7, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Newton teenager died and his father was seriously injured Sunday afternoon when their car sped off the road and hit a utility pole, authorities said.
Shavonne Lesha Parson, 19, was driving a 1994 Honda Accord south on Sigmon Dairy Road shortly after 3:30 p.m. when he entered a curve near Shady Lane and veered off the right side of the road, Newton police said.
Parson was going about 70 mph in a 45 mph zone, police said, when he tried steering back onto the roadway. He lost control of the car, and the Honda flew through the air before hitting the pole, police said.
His father, 48-year-old Leander Parson, was sitting in the front passenger seat and was seriously injured. He was taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center and is being treated in the neurological intensive care unit, police said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Newton teenager died and his father was seriously injured Sunday afternoon when their car sped off the road and hit a utility pole, authorities said.
Shavonne Lesha Parson, 19, was driving a 1994 Honda Accord south on Sigmon Dairy Road shortly after 3:30 p.m. when he entered a curve near Shady Lane and veered off the right side of the road, Newton police said.
Parson was going about 70 mph in a 45 mph zone, police said, when he tried steering back onto the roadway. He lost control of the car, and the Honda flew through the air before hitting the pole, police said.
His father, 48-year-old Leander Parson, was sitting in the front passenger seat and was seriously injured. He was taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center and is being treated in the neurological intensive care unit, police said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
4/6/08
She's going to run for Robby
A year after husband's death in Iraq, her 5K will raise funds for others
Sunday, April 6, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Michelle and Robby Bowman had plans.
They were going to climb Mount Rainier, have a baby and keep up with their morning runs around the lake near their Washington state home.
But then, on April 13, 2007, Michelle Bowman heard a knock on her front door and opened it to find an Army chaplain.
Her husband, 29-year-old Sgt. Larry "Robby" Bowman, a Granite Falls native, had been killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb.
Nearly a year has passed since her husband died, and Michelle Bowman still has plans. She's going to scale Mount Rainier in August, and on the anniversary of his death next Sunday, Bowman is hosting a 5K run through the Lenoir greenway in his honor.
"The last thing I wanted to do was spend the day alone just sitting and sulking," said Bowman, also a Caldwell County native. "The whole community was greatly affected when Robby died, and I didn't want the day to simply pass by. This is a way to celebrate his life."
Running was something the Bowmans picked up together. Robby Bowman had never been much of a runner before his joined the Army, and Michelle Bowman started jogging with him when they got married. It was just one of the things they enjoyed doing as a couple, she said.
"On the weekends, we'd get up and go for a run around the lake," Bowman said. "It was something we did together."
So, when Bowman started thinking about something she could do to honor her husband a year after his death, a race -- which she's named "Robby's Run" -- seemed like the perfect option.
Bowman said she is expecting more than 100 people to show up at the event, which she plans to continue every year. The proceeds, she said, will be donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which helps the families of soldiers injured or killed during war.
Four soldiers from Robby Bowman's unit, the 513th Transportation Company based out of Fort Lewis, Wash., are planning on traveling to Lenoir for the event. They include Staff Sgt. Eric Sears, who was stationed with Bowman in Iraq and has named his son after his fallen friend.
"He was a pretty big impact on my life," said Sears, who is in South Carolina and training to be an Army recruiter. "I just want to be (at the race) for the support factor. It's a great idea, and I wish things like this were done for more soldiers."
Want to go?
Robby's Run, honoring Sgt. Larry "Robby" Bowman, will start at 2 p.m. April 13 at the Lenoir greenway, 710 Powell Road.
Early registration is $15 and race day registration is $20. Participants can choose to either walk or run the 5K. Registration for the 1-mile fun run is $10. Donations are also accepted; proceeds from the event will go to the Intrepid Heroes fund, which offers assistance to families of soldiers killed or injured during war.
New Life Baptist Church in Lenoir is hosting a barbecue after the run.
Register at New Life Baptist, 2111 Walt Arney Road or at Fleet Feet Sports in Hickory, 1776 N. Center St. Details: 828-728-1473.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Michelle and Robby Bowman had plans.
They were going to climb Mount Rainier, have a baby and keep up with their morning runs around the lake near their Washington state home.
But then, on April 13, 2007, Michelle Bowman heard a knock on her front door and opened it to find an Army chaplain.
Her husband, 29-year-old Sgt. Larry "Robby" Bowman, a Granite Falls native, had been killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb.
Nearly a year has passed since her husband died, and Michelle Bowman still has plans. She's going to scale Mount Rainier in August, and on the anniversary of his death next Sunday, Bowman is hosting a 5K run through the Lenoir greenway in his honor.
"The last thing I wanted to do was spend the day alone just sitting and sulking," said Bowman, also a Caldwell County native. "The whole community was greatly affected when Robby died, and I didn't want the day to simply pass by. This is a way to celebrate his life."
Running was something the Bowmans picked up together. Robby Bowman had never been much of a runner before his joined the Army, and Michelle Bowman started jogging with him when they got married. It was just one of the things they enjoyed doing as a couple, she said.
"On the weekends, we'd get up and go for a run around the lake," Bowman said. "It was something we did together."
So, when Bowman started thinking about something she could do to honor her husband a year after his death, a race -- which she's named "Robby's Run" -- seemed like the perfect option.
Bowman said she is expecting more than 100 people to show up at the event, which she plans to continue every year. The proceeds, she said, will be donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which helps the families of soldiers injured or killed during war.
Four soldiers from Robby Bowman's unit, the 513th Transportation Company based out of Fort Lewis, Wash., are planning on traveling to Lenoir for the event. They include Staff Sgt. Eric Sears, who was stationed with Bowman in Iraq and has named his son after his fallen friend.
"He was a pretty big impact on my life," said Sears, who is in South Carolina and training to be an Army recruiter. "I just want to be (at the race) for the support factor. It's a great idea, and I wish things like this were done for more soldiers."
Want to go?
Robby's Run, honoring Sgt. Larry "Robby" Bowman, will start at 2 p.m. April 13 at the Lenoir greenway, 710 Powell Road.
Early registration is $15 and race day registration is $20. Participants can choose to either walk or run the 5K. Registration for the 1-mile fun run is $10. Donations are also accepted; proceeds from the event will go to the Intrepid Heroes fund, which offers assistance to families of soldiers killed or injured during war.
New Life Baptist Church in Lenoir is hosting a barbecue after the run.
Register at New Life Baptist, 2111 Walt Arney Road or at Fleet Feet Sports in Hickory, 1776 N. Center St. Details: 828-728-1473.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
4/3/08
Savoring the start of life after death row
Charges dropped in 1992 Catawba Co. killings; court-appointed defense faulted
Thursday, April 3, 2008
By Marcie Young and David Ingram
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
RALEIGH --Glen Edward Chapman walked free Wednesday after nearly 14 years on death row in a case that a judge said was marred by a flawed police investigation and a faulty defense.
Murder charges against Chapman, 40, were dismissed Wednesday morning by District Attorney Jay Gaither, who in November was told by a Catawba County judge that the case needed to be retried.
Hours later, Chapman, sentenced to death in 1994 in the deaths of 31-year-old Betty Jean Ramseur and 28-year-old Tenene Yvette Conley, left Central Prison with one of his attorneys in a green Volkswagen.
He waved to reporters and photographers and later said in a news conference that he didn't know for sure he was leaving prison until 10 minutes before he was released.
"Everybody's like, `You're going home,' " he said. "I still didn't believe it until I was actually out."
Ramseur's brother said he was disappointed that the justice system couldn't resolve his sister's death.
"If it wasn't him, then I really do wonder who the killer was," Charles Ramseur, 55, said.
Chapman's release comes five months after Judge Robert Ervin issued a 186-page ruling that said the lead investigator in Chapman's double-murder case withheld critical evidence and lied on the stand. He also said Chapman's defense attorneys, who were court-appointed, did a poor job investigating the 1992 killings.
The case, according to court documents, was also marred by an incompetent defense by two lawyers with a history of alcohol abuse.
The ruling forced the District Attorney's Office to decide whether to retry the case. Gaither dismissed the charges, he said in a news release, because the prosecution's case was "factually incomplete" and there was not enough evidence to try Chapman again.
Ervin found that Chapman's trial attorneys had missed critical evidence, including that Conley was alive after Chapman last saw her and may have died of a drug overdose. Ervin also said in his ruling that the lead Hickory police investigator on the case withheld information that a key witness in the Ramseur case identified someone other than Chapman in a photo lineup.
Chapman's appeals attorney also argued that his trial attorneys, Thomas Portwood and Robert Adams, had failed to interview several critical witnesses and were "excessive users of alcohol."
Portwood, who admitted he drank more than a pint of 80-proof rum every evening during several death penalty trials, has been challenged in court for his representation of at least two other men, one of whom was executed in 2001.
According to Observer archives, Adams told the N.C. State Bar that he drank three scotches a night but that it did not affect his trial performance. A 1998 psychiatrist's evaluation of Adams, ordered by the bar, concluded that Adams "had a drinking problem" and referred him to Alcoholics Anonymous, according to a bar discipline order.
Portwood died in 2003, and Adams could not be reached for comment.
Ramseur and Conley's bodies were discovered within a week of each other in abandoned Hickory homes. Ramseur, according to court documents, was found in a burned-out building and likely had been dead for several weeks. Conley was found in a closet in another empty home.
Prosecutors argued that Chapman had beaten the women to death in separate drug-fueled fights. While Chapman has admitted that he knew both women and had smoked crack with each of them, he has long denied any involvement with their deaths.
Chapman's release, said Ramseur's brother, Charles, raises concerns about the legal system and whether it's working the way it should.
"I would think you would make sure you got the right one before you put him on trial or give him a death sentence," he said by phone Wednesday. "(Murder is) too serious a crime to convict someone if (there's a possibility) they didn't do it."
No relatives of Conley could be found Wednesday.
Chapman is among other inmates set free from North Carolina's death row in recent years. Another former inmate, Jonathan Hoffman, was freed in a Union County case challenged by post-conviction attorneys. Prosecutors declined to attempt a second trial.
The cases have renewed the debate about the state's death penalty -- currently on hold because of a dispute over lethal injection -- and led to changes in how capital cases are handled. But some older cases, including Chapman's, went to trial before the reforms.
On Wednesday afternoon, Chapman made phone calls -- using a cellular phone for the first time -- to his family and other members of his legal team. He ate a bologna and cheese sandwich made, he said, like his mother used to make.
"That was my comfort food," he said.
He was planning to have steak for dinner Wednesday night.
Beyond that, Chapman said he's not certain of his plans but is looking forward to seeing his sons, ages 17 and 22. He said he doesn't think he'll move back to Hickory, where he was born.
Chapman declined to criticize either the criminal justice system or the investigators -- in particular lead investigator Dennis Rhoney, formerly of the Hickory Police Department -- whose work has drawn scrutiny.
"His fate is not in my hands," Chapman said. "I have no bitterness. Why should I give somebody the benefit of knowing that they can just make me bitter?"
Rhoney, who works for the Burke County Sheriff's Office, couldn't be reached Wednesday.
Chapman's attorneys said they would explore a request for a pardon from Gov. Mike Easley, which if granted would allow Chapman to apply for compensation from the state for the time he was in prison.
Chapman said he has no idea who or what might have caused the two women's deaths. He and his attorneys called for abolishing the death penalty.
"The way it's going now, it's not working," Chapman said.
Timeline
Aug. 15, 1992 Prospective renters looking at a home in Southeast Hickory discover 28-year-old Tenene Yvette Conley's body in a downstairs closet. Investigators originally thought she had been killed, but testimony indicates she may have died of a drug overdose.
Aug. 22, 1992 The body of Betty Jean Ramseur, 31, is found in a burned-out and abandoned house in Southeast Hickory. She had died several weeks before.
Jan. 11, 1993 Glen Edward Chapman, then 25, is indicted on first-degree murder charges in the death of Ramseur.
Aug. 16, 1993 Chapman is indicted on first-degree murder charges infor the death of Conley.
Oct. 31, 1994 Chapman's trial, which combined Ramseur's and Conley's cases, begins in Catawba County Superior Court.
Nov. 10, 1994 Chapman is convicted of two counts of first-degree murder.
Nov. 16, 1994 Chapman is sentenced to death.
July 5, 1996 Appellate defense attorneys begin post-conviction proceedings.
July 23, 2002 Frank Goldsmith becomes Chapman's appellate defense attorney. Jessica Leaven joins Goldsmith in December 2002.
Aug. 1, 2003 Judge Robert Ervin makes the complete investigation and case files available to Chapman's attorneys.
Aug. 2, 2006 After all post-conviction hearings, defense attorneys file a motion asking Ervin to order a new trial in both cases based on new evidence.
Nov. 6, 2007 Ervin orders a new trial.
April 2, 2008 Charges against Chapman are dismissed by District Attorney Jay Gaither. He said the prosecution's argument was "factually incomplete" and there was not enough evidence to retry the case.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
By Marcie Young and David Ingram
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
RALEIGH --Glen Edward Chapman walked free Wednesday after nearly 14 years on death row in a case that a judge said was marred by a flawed police investigation and a faulty defense.
Murder charges against Chapman, 40, were dismissed Wednesday morning by District Attorney Jay Gaither, who in November was told by a Catawba County judge that the case needed to be retried.
Hours later, Chapman, sentenced to death in 1994 in the deaths of 31-year-old Betty Jean Ramseur and 28-year-old Tenene Yvette Conley, left Central Prison with one of his attorneys in a green Volkswagen.
He waved to reporters and photographers and later said in a news conference that he didn't know for sure he was leaving prison until 10 minutes before he was released.
"Everybody's like, `You're going home,' " he said. "I still didn't believe it until I was actually out."
Ramseur's brother said he was disappointed that the justice system couldn't resolve his sister's death.
"If it wasn't him, then I really do wonder who the killer was," Charles Ramseur, 55, said.
Chapman's release comes five months after Judge Robert Ervin issued a 186-page ruling that said the lead investigator in Chapman's double-murder case withheld critical evidence and lied on the stand. He also said Chapman's defense attorneys, who were court-appointed, did a poor job investigating the 1992 killings.
The case, according to court documents, was also marred by an incompetent defense by two lawyers with a history of alcohol abuse.
The ruling forced the District Attorney's Office to decide whether to retry the case. Gaither dismissed the charges, he said in a news release, because the prosecution's case was "factually incomplete" and there was not enough evidence to try Chapman again.
Ervin found that Chapman's trial attorneys had missed critical evidence, including that Conley was alive after Chapman last saw her and may have died of a drug overdose. Ervin also said in his ruling that the lead Hickory police investigator on the case withheld information that a key witness in the Ramseur case identified someone other than Chapman in a photo lineup.
Chapman's appeals attorney also argued that his trial attorneys, Thomas Portwood and Robert Adams, had failed to interview several critical witnesses and were "excessive users of alcohol."
Portwood, who admitted he drank more than a pint of 80-proof rum every evening during several death penalty trials, has been challenged in court for his representation of at least two other men, one of whom was executed in 2001.
According to Observer archives, Adams told the N.C. State Bar that he drank three scotches a night but that it did not affect his trial performance. A 1998 psychiatrist's evaluation of Adams, ordered by the bar, concluded that Adams "had a drinking problem" and referred him to Alcoholics Anonymous, according to a bar discipline order.
Portwood died in 2003, and Adams could not be reached for comment.
Ramseur and Conley's bodies were discovered within a week of each other in abandoned Hickory homes. Ramseur, according to court documents, was found in a burned-out building and likely had been dead for several weeks. Conley was found in a closet in another empty home.
Prosecutors argued that Chapman had beaten the women to death in separate drug-fueled fights. While Chapman has admitted that he knew both women and had smoked crack with each of them, he has long denied any involvement with their deaths.
Chapman's release, said Ramseur's brother, Charles, raises concerns about the legal system and whether it's working the way it should.
"I would think you would make sure you got the right one before you put him on trial or give him a death sentence," he said by phone Wednesday. "(Murder is) too serious a crime to convict someone if (there's a possibility) they didn't do it."
No relatives of Conley could be found Wednesday.
Chapman is among other inmates set free from North Carolina's death row in recent years. Another former inmate, Jonathan Hoffman, was freed in a Union County case challenged by post-conviction attorneys. Prosecutors declined to attempt a second trial.
The cases have renewed the debate about the state's death penalty -- currently on hold because of a dispute over lethal injection -- and led to changes in how capital cases are handled. But some older cases, including Chapman's, went to trial before the reforms.
On Wednesday afternoon, Chapman made phone calls -- using a cellular phone for the first time -- to his family and other members of his legal team. He ate a bologna and cheese sandwich made, he said, like his mother used to make.
"That was my comfort food," he said.
He was planning to have steak for dinner Wednesday night.
Beyond that, Chapman said he's not certain of his plans but is looking forward to seeing his sons, ages 17 and 22. He said he doesn't think he'll move back to Hickory, where he was born.
Chapman declined to criticize either the criminal justice system or the investigators -- in particular lead investigator Dennis Rhoney, formerly of the Hickory Police Department -- whose work has drawn scrutiny.
"His fate is not in my hands," Chapman said. "I have no bitterness. Why should I give somebody the benefit of knowing that they can just make me bitter?"
Rhoney, who works for the Burke County Sheriff's Office, couldn't be reached Wednesday.
Chapman's attorneys said they would explore a request for a pardon from Gov. Mike Easley, which if granted would allow Chapman to apply for compensation from the state for the time he was in prison.
Chapman said he has no idea who or what might have caused the two women's deaths. He and his attorneys called for abolishing the death penalty.
"The way it's going now, it's not working," Chapman said.
Timeline
Aug. 15, 1992 Prospective renters looking at a home in Southeast Hickory discover 28-year-old Tenene Yvette Conley's body in a downstairs closet. Investigators originally thought she had been killed, but testimony indicates she may have died of a drug overdose.
Aug. 22, 1992 The body of Betty Jean Ramseur, 31, is found in a burned-out and abandoned house in Southeast Hickory. She had died several weeks before.
Jan. 11, 1993 Glen Edward Chapman, then 25, is indicted on first-degree murder charges in the death of Ramseur.
Aug. 16, 1993 Chapman is indicted on first-degree murder charges infor the death of Conley.
Oct. 31, 1994 Chapman's trial, which combined Ramseur's and Conley's cases, begins in Catawba County Superior Court.
Nov. 10, 1994 Chapman is convicted of two counts of first-degree murder.
Nov. 16, 1994 Chapman is sentenced to death.
July 5, 1996 Appellate defense attorneys begin post-conviction proceedings.
July 23, 2002 Frank Goldsmith becomes Chapman's appellate defense attorney. Jessica Leaven joins Goldsmith in December 2002.
Aug. 1, 2003 Judge Robert Ervin makes the complete investigation and case files available to Chapman's attorneys.
Aug. 2, 2006 After all post-conviction hearings, defense attorneys file a motion asking Ervin to order a new trial in both cases based on new evidence.
Nov. 6, 2007 Ervin orders a new trial.
April 2, 2008 Charges against Chapman are dismissed by District Attorney Jay Gaither. He said the prosecution's argument was "factually incomplete" and there was not enough evidence to retry the case.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
3/30/08
NASCAR returns to Caldwell
Group will sanction races at Tri-County
Move is expectde to be a draw for fans and driver and boost speedway's 'credibility fcator'
Sunday, March 30, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HUDSON -- NASCAR is back in Caldwell County.
On Friday, a couple dozen drivers will line up at the Tri-County Motor Speedway, start their engines and launch the first NASCAR-sanctioned race the track has seen since 2000.
"This is going to be great," said Scott Hatton, who has been going to Tri-County races since the track opened in 1985. "Great for the drivers, great for the fans. Just great."
The speedway's 2008 season starts Friday, and this year brings to Hudson the prestige and allure of NASCAR, which recently sanctioned the 0.4-mile paved track as part of its short-course racing family.
"These tracks bring a level of competition and excitement to the fans that have become synonymous with NASCAR's short-track racing," said George Silbermann, managing director of NASCAR racing operations, in February.
Tri-County joins 59 other speedways across the country and six others in the state as a NASCAR-sanctioned short-course track. But it isn't the first time that Tri-County, which seats about 3,000 in the bleachers and several hundred more in trackside parking, has been part of the elite.
In 1986, in its second season, the speedway became the state's only NASCAR-sanctioned dirt track. Though it had sporadic NASCAR affiliation in its more than two-decade history, the track hasn't been part of the national association since 2000, said speedway General Manager Joe Lewandoski.
And the name recognition of NASCAR, he said, brings more authority.
"Everyone knows about NASCAR, and when you say you're NASCAR affiliated, that goes a long way," he said. "It brings a real credibility factor."
But Lewandoski is hoping it will bring more fans, too.
With three tracks - Tri-County, Antioch and Hickory - within 25 miles of each other and the bigger races televised throughout the season, it's tough to get people out to the track every Friday, he said.
"It's a challenge to get the NASCAR couch potato to come out and see real racing," Lewandoski said. "But if you're a big fan and you haven't seen a race at Tri-County or (the Hickory Motor Speedway), you need to get out there."
Now, with its NASCAR association, drivers who race at Tri-County will be eligible to compete for state and national championships in addition to the individual track titles.
If drivers do well, they could be looking at a $14,000 prize for a state title, $25,000 for the national title and $3,000 for titles at Tri-County and the Hickory Motor Speedway, which is also a NASCAR-sanctioned track.
And for Hatton, who led a crew at Tri-County for 15 years and is teaching his 3-year-old son everything he knows about the sport, bringing the prestige of NASCAR back is exciting.
"I've seen a lot of big names come through Tri-County (when it's been affiliated with) NASCAR," he said. "If you can tell someone you won at a NASCAR-sanctioned track, well that just means more."
Want to go?
NASCAR-sanctioned races at the Tri-County Motor Speedway begin Friday and run Friday nights though Sept. 5. The front gate and trackside parking open at 6 p.m., qualifying races start at 7 p.m. and the featured races begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for children ages 4-15 and free for children under 4. Family passes cost $25 and include admission for two adults and up to three kids.
Tri-County Motor Speedway is at 4405 Hickory Nut Ridge Road in Hudson. Details: call 828-726-6600 or visit www.tricountymotorspeed way.com.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Move is expectde to be a draw for fans and driver and boost speedway's 'credibility fcator'
Sunday, March 30, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HUDSON -- NASCAR is back in Caldwell County.
On Friday, a couple dozen drivers will line up at the Tri-County Motor Speedway, start their engines and launch the first NASCAR-sanctioned race the track has seen since 2000.
"This is going to be great," said Scott Hatton, who has been going to Tri-County races since the track opened in 1985. "Great for the drivers, great for the fans. Just great."
The speedway's 2008 season starts Friday, and this year brings to Hudson the prestige and allure of NASCAR, which recently sanctioned the 0.4-mile paved track as part of its short-course racing family.
"These tracks bring a level of competition and excitement to the fans that have become synonymous with NASCAR's short-track racing," said George Silbermann, managing director of NASCAR racing operations, in February.
Tri-County joins 59 other speedways across the country and six others in the state as a NASCAR-sanctioned short-course track. But it isn't the first time that Tri-County, which seats about 3,000 in the bleachers and several hundred more in trackside parking, has been part of the elite.
In 1986, in its second season, the speedway became the state's only NASCAR-sanctioned dirt track. Though it had sporadic NASCAR affiliation in its more than two-decade history, the track hasn't been part of the national association since 2000, said speedway General Manager Joe Lewandoski.
And the name recognition of NASCAR, he said, brings more authority.
"Everyone knows about NASCAR, and when you say you're NASCAR affiliated, that goes a long way," he said. "It brings a real credibility factor."
But Lewandoski is hoping it will bring more fans, too.
With three tracks - Tri-County, Antioch and Hickory - within 25 miles of each other and the bigger races televised throughout the season, it's tough to get people out to the track every Friday, he said.
"It's a challenge to get the NASCAR couch potato to come out and see real racing," Lewandoski said. "But if you're a big fan and you haven't seen a race at Tri-County or (the Hickory Motor Speedway), you need to get out there."
Now, with its NASCAR association, drivers who race at Tri-County will be eligible to compete for state and national championships in addition to the individual track titles.
If drivers do well, they could be looking at a $14,000 prize for a state title, $25,000 for the national title and $3,000 for titles at Tri-County and the Hickory Motor Speedway, which is also a NASCAR-sanctioned track.
And for Hatton, who led a crew at Tri-County for 15 years and is teaching his 3-year-old son everything he knows about the sport, bringing the prestige of NASCAR back is exciting.
"I've seen a lot of big names come through Tri-County (when it's been affiliated with) NASCAR," he said. "If you can tell someone you won at a NASCAR-sanctioned track, well that just means more."
Want to go?
NASCAR-sanctioned races at the Tri-County Motor Speedway begin Friday and run Friday nights though Sept. 5. The front gate and trackside parking open at 6 p.m., qualifying races start at 7 p.m. and the featured races begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for children ages 4-15 and free for children under 4. Family passes cost $25 and include admission for two adults and up to three kids.
Tri-County Motor Speedway is at 4405 Hickory Nut Ridge Road in Hudson. Details: call 828-726-6600 or visit www.tricountymotorspeed way.com.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
3/26/08
Hospital gets federal inspection
Medicaid, Medicare reinstatement at stake
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Federal inspectors Tuesday made a surprise visit to Broughton Hospital to do a complete review of the facility and its operations and possibly reinstate Medicaid and Medicare funding, state officials said.
Broughton has gone without Medicaid and Medicare funding since August, when the federal government halted payments amid concerns over a patient death and another patient injury.
If the Morganton hospital, one of the state's four mental-health facilities, passes inspection this week, funding could be reinstated within a few weeks, said Mark Van Sciver, spokesman for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
The cuts have cost Broughton about $1 million a month.
Van Sciver said state officials should know by Friday whether inspectors recommend reinstating Medicaid and Medicare funding. The federal inspection is expected to last the whole week.
Since August, a team of state doctors and consultants has been working at the hospital to identify and fix problems, reorganize clinical staff and retrain every employee, from housekeepers to doctors.
Broughton serves about 4,000 patients each year from the state's 37 westernmost counties and has about 1,200 employees and a $77 million budget.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Federal inspectors Tuesday made a surprise visit to Broughton Hospital to do a complete review of the facility and its operations and possibly reinstate Medicaid and Medicare funding, state officials said.
Broughton has gone without Medicaid and Medicare funding since August, when the federal government halted payments amid concerns over a patient death and another patient injury.
If the Morganton hospital, one of the state's four mental-health facilities, passes inspection this week, funding could be reinstated within a few weeks, said Mark Van Sciver, spokesman for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
The cuts have cost Broughton about $1 million a month.
Van Sciver said state officials should know by Friday whether inspectors recommend reinstating Medicaid and Medicare funding. The federal inspection is expected to last the whole week.
Since August, a team of state doctors and consultants has been working at the hospital to identify and fix problems, reorganize clinical staff and retrain every employee, from housekeepers to doctors.
Broughton serves about 4,000 patients each year from the state's 37 westernmost counties and has about 1,200 employees and a $77 million budget.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Authorities identify 2 men slain during March 19 home invasion
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Authorities have identified two men killed last week during a botched home invasion in Hickory.
Thomas Devon England, 23, of Hickory and 19-year-old William Justin Terrell Parsons of Taylorsville were shot to death March 19 after they forced their way into a home on 33rd Avenue in northeast Hickory around 11 p.m., according to the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.
England and Parsons, who were found dressed in black, wearing masks and with handguns, were killed by the homeowner, authorities said.
A warrant was taken out Thursday to search the house. The District Attorney's Office hasn't decided whether to charge the homeowner.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Authorities have identified two men killed last week during a botched home invasion in Hickory.
Thomas Devon England, 23, of Hickory and 19-year-old William Justin Terrell Parsons of Taylorsville were shot to death March 19 after they forced their way into a home on 33rd Avenue in northeast Hickory around 11 p.m., according to the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.
England and Parsons, who were found dressed in black, wearing masks and with handguns, were killed by the homeowner, authorities said.
A warrant was taken out Thursday to search the house. The District Attorney's Office hasn't decided whether to charge the homeowner.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
3/23/08
Incentive package -- denied
First time in over decade Caldwell board has turned down an eligible firm's request
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
LENOIR --Caldwell County commissioners last week did something they've never done before. They denied an eligible incentive package.
It was the first time in more than a decade -- since the incentive plan was adopted -- that the board has said no to a company's request to get an economic development tax break.
And that, said rejected developer Hunt Shuford, just doesn't make sense.
"I am not happy with Caldwell County," said Shuford, a Hickory-based developer who is planning on building a 48,000-square-foot medical complex on U.S. 321 in Lenoir. "It's a very shortsighted decision on their part. ... and I've been pretty well slapped around."
Since 1997, commissioners have approved 48 incentive requests to return a portion of property taxes for companies and developers promising to add to the tax base or bring jobs to the county.
Shuford and partner David Looper's incentive application was denied by a 3-2 vote, with Republican commissioners Herb Greene and Faye Higgins in favor of approving the deal.
It was the first and only request to be rejected that met the county's guidelines, and Shuford and Looper say they don't understand why commissioners Ron Beane, John Thuss and Don Barrier decided against their specific project.
"We're confused," Looper said. "I just don't have an understanding as to why they would chose to reject our application (and accept others)."
Shuford and Looper pitched their plan to commissioners in August and asked that the board OK incentives that would help defray the cost of building a $10 million complex on geographically challenging land. The unexpected rocky conditions, Shuford said, tacked on an additional $350,000 to the project's cost.
Based on Caldwell's tax rate and the project's anticipated cost, a "tier two" incentive would have returned $49,492 to Shuford and Looper each year for four years, said Alan Wood, the county's senior development manager. The project, he said, met the guidelines necessary to be eligible for an incentive package.
But, in the months leading up to last week's vote, the plan to build a medical complex that would add physician offices and possibly an urgent care center drew criticism from officials at Caldwell Memorial Hospital, the county's largest healthcare facility.
At a December public hearing, hospital President Laura Easton told commissioners that other developers have shown interest in building similar facilities without the lure of a tax break.
"There would be so many people who would be happy to come in and partner and be involved with real estate development," she told commissioners. "Our belief is that ... you can do this without economic incentives."
Barrier, who served on the hospital board before becoming a commissioner in 2006, said he voted against the project because it seemed as though the medical center would be built regardless of receiving a tax break.
"That's a reward, not an incentive," he said. "I'm not of the mind that we need to give incentives whenever someone wants to build something."
But Greene, who helped mold the incentive plan in 1997, said he voted in favor of incentives for the medical complex because it would increase the county's tax base, which has been hard hit in recent years with the closing of several factories.
"Any time a project would increase the tax base, we've given the incentive," he said. "I was doing what I've done for 11 years by voting for what the whole incentive plan was meant to do."
Shuford said he is still planning on building the complex and hopes to break ground within four to six weeks.
"I'm very disappointed," he said. "But we will build that building and we will market it to the whole health-care industry. Hospitals, physicians, urgent care. Everything is on the table."
48 incentive packages passed
Until last week, Caldwell County commissioners had passed every incentive request -- 48 in all -- made since 1997 by companies and builders promising to add to the county's tax base or bring jobs to the area. The incentives, according to the county development office, are awarded for three to five years.
Incentive recipients include furniture factories, veterinary hospitals, commercial buildings, a recreation facility and a Lowe's home improvement store.
The Google and Vantage Foods incentive packages are not included in the count, said Senior Development Manager Alan Wood, because the companies made agreements with the county that exceed five years.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
LENOIR --Caldwell County commissioners last week did something they've never done before. They denied an eligible incentive package.
It was the first time in more than a decade -- since the incentive plan was adopted -- that the board has said no to a company's request to get an economic development tax break.
And that, said rejected developer Hunt Shuford, just doesn't make sense.
"I am not happy with Caldwell County," said Shuford, a Hickory-based developer who is planning on building a 48,000-square-foot medical complex on U.S. 321 in Lenoir. "It's a very shortsighted decision on their part. ... and I've been pretty well slapped around."
Since 1997, commissioners have approved 48 incentive requests to return a portion of property taxes for companies and developers promising to add to the tax base or bring jobs to the county.
Shuford and partner David Looper's incentive application was denied by a 3-2 vote, with Republican commissioners Herb Greene and Faye Higgins in favor of approving the deal.
It was the first and only request to be rejected that met the county's guidelines, and Shuford and Looper say they don't understand why commissioners Ron Beane, John Thuss and Don Barrier decided against their specific project.
"We're confused," Looper said. "I just don't have an understanding as to why they would chose to reject our application (and accept others)."
Shuford and Looper pitched their plan to commissioners in August and asked that the board OK incentives that would help defray the cost of building a $10 million complex on geographically challenging land. The unexpected rocky conditions, Shuford said, tacked on an additional $350,000 to the project's cost.
Based on Caldwell's tax rate and the project's anticipated cost, a "tier two" incentive would have returned $49,492 to Shuford and Looper each year for four years, said Alan Wood, the county's senior development manager. The project, he said, met the guidelines necessary to be eligible for an incentive package.
But, in the months leading up to last week's vote, the plan to build a medical complex that would add physician offices and possibly an urgent care center drew criticism from officials at Caldwell Memorial Hospital, the county's largest healthcare facility.
At a December public hearing, hospital President Laura Easton told commissioners that other developers have shown interest in building similar facilities without the lure of a tax break.
"There would be so many people who would be happy to come in and partner and be involved with real estate development," she told commissioners. "Our belief is that ... you can do this without economic incentives."
Barrier, who served on the hospital board before becoming a commissioner in 2006, said he voted against the project because it seemed as though the medical center would be built regardless of receiving a tax break.
"That's a reward, not an incentive," he said. "I'm not of the mind that we need to give incentives whenever someone wants to build something."
But Greene, who helped mold the incentive plan in 1997, said he voted in favor of incentives for the medical complex because it would increase the county's tax base, which has been hard hit in recent years with the closing of several factories.
"Any time a project would increase the tax base, we've given the incentive," he said. "I was doing what I've done for 11 years by voting for what the whole incentive plan was meant to do."
Shuford said he is still planning on building the complex and hopes to break ground within four to six weeks.
"I'm very disappointed," he said. "But we will build that building and we will market it to the whole health-care industry. Hospitals, physicians, urgent care. Everything is on the table."
48 incentive packages passed
Until last week, Caldwell County commissioners had passed every incentive request -- 48 in all -- made since 1997 by companies and builders promising to add to the county's tax base or bring jobs to the area. The incentives, according to the county development office, are awarded for three to five years.
Incentive recipients include furniture factories, veterinary hospitals, commercial buildings, a recreation facility and a Lowe's home improvement store.
The Google and Vantage Foods incentive packages are not included in the count, said Senior Development Manager Alan Wood, because the companies made agreements with the county that exceed five years.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Name change for Lenoir-Rhyne: College will become `University'
Move meant to reflect school's expansion goals
Sunday, March 23, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
It's time for Hickory to become a university town.
Lenoir-Rhyne College, the Catawba Valley's only four-year school, is growing, and along with adding new buildings and broadening its curriculum, the institution is getting a name change, too.
Come August, students at the small, 117-year-old liberal arts college will be attending Lenoir-Rhyne University.
The move, approved by the school's board of trustees last week, is a reflection of the institution's expanding mission to bring more educational programs and serve a larger constituency, said President Wayne Powell.
"We were focusing on what kind of agenda we could build to help the school progress," he said. "We wanted to create more programming and do it in the context of the things that we are really strong at, and the (suggestion) to change the name came after that."
The Lutheran school, a private and liberal arts college, is now in a transition phase as amendments to its bylaws and charters are made, Powell said. He expects the plan to be complete by the 2008-09 school year.
Powell said the school hasn't set a specific goal for adding courses and increasing enrollment, but thinks Lenoir-Rhyne will see about 10 new academic programs within five years.
The first, a master's track in sports management, is expected to start in the fall. Other programs, including a health care curriculum and expanded business, religious studies and education tracks, are to begin within a few years.
Lenoir-Rhyne is already planing a $50 million expansion to include a science complex, an overhaul of the student center and new and renovated housing.
"When you add programs, you add students and facilities and faculty," Powell said.
Currently, he said, 1,628 students are enrolled, but current campus amenities could accommodate about 2,500.
But the move isn't sitting well with everyone on campus.
Students and alumni are split on how it will affect the way people look at a school that has built a reputation on small classes and an intimate and close-knit campus community.
While some have argued that the changes could bring a new level of prestige, others worry that changing the college's name could alter its identity.
"I think it complicates and compromises the school's tradition and the mission," said 2006 graduate Silas Webb. "The word `college' is more indicative of the small, liberal arts environment. If (students) wanted to go to a bigger school, they would have. People pick (Lenoir-Rhyne) because of what it offers."
About 114 students and alumni have joined Webb's "Students for Lenoir-Rhyne College" on the networking Web site Facebook, and have been debating in the online forum.
"I just don't think the word `college' is limiting," Webb said. "My sense is that it can be a college and be a very rigorous academic environment."
But freshman Jacob Thie, who sat in on focus groups and staff meetings, likes the plan.
"They're looking to build on what we have now and not necessarily make Lenoir-Rhyne become a big university," he said.
Thie, who graduated from Bandys High School in 2007 and is studying outdoor personal and religious development, said he's looking forward to seeing more variety in the curriculum.
But he's looking forward to the name change, too, he said.
"If nothing else, `Lenoir-Rhyne University' just sounds better," Thie said. "The university name is just going to enhance any degree you have. I'd rather graduate from a university than a college any day."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
It's time for Hickory to become a university town.
Lenoir-Rhyne College, the Catawba Valley's only four-year school, is growing, and along with adding new buildings and broadening its curriculum, the institution is getting a name change, too.
Come August, students at the small, 117-year-old liberal arts college will be attending Lenoir-Rhyne University.
The move, approved by the school's board of trustees last week, is a reflection of the institution's expanding mission to bring more educational programs and serve a larger constituency, said President Wayne Powell.
"We were focusing on what kind of agenda we could build to help the school progress," he said. "We wanted to create more programming and do it in the context of the things that we are really strong at, and the (suggestion) to change the name came after that."
The Lutheran school, a private and liberal arts college, is now in a transition phase as amendments to its bylaws and charters are made, Powell said. He expects the plan to be complete by the 2008-09 school year.
Powell said the school hasn't set a specific goal for adding courses and increasing enrollment, but thinks Lenoir-Rhyne will see about 10 new academic programs within five years.
The first, a master's track in sports management, is expected to start in the fall. Other programs, including a health care curriculum and expanded business, religious studies and education tracks, are to begin within a few years.
Lenoir-Rhyne is already planing a $50 million expansion to include a science complex, an overhaul of the student center and new and renovated housing.
"When you add programs, you add students and facilities and faculty," Powell said.
Currently, he said, 1,628 students are enrolled, but current campus amenities could accommodate about 2,500.
But the move isn't sitting well with everyone on campus.
Students and alumni are split on how it will affect the way people look at a school that has built a reputation on small classes and an intimate and close-knit campus community.
While some have argued that the changes could bring a new level of prestige, others worry that changing the college's name could alter its identity.
"I think it complicates and compromises the school's tradition and the mission," said 2006 graduate Silas Webb. "The word `college' is more indicative of the small, liberal arts environment. If (students) wanted to go to a bigger school, they would have. People pick (Lenoir-Rhyne) because of what it offers."
About 114 students and alumni have joined Webb's "Students for Lenoir-Rhyne College" on the networking Web site Facebook, and have been debating in the online forum.
"I just don't think the word `college' is limiting," Webb said. "My sense is that it can be a college and be a very rigorous academic environment."
But freshman Jacob Thie, who sat in on focus groups and staff meetings, likes the plan.
"They're looking to build on what we have now and not necessarily make Lenoir-Rhyne become a big university," he said.
Thie, who graduated from Bandys High School in 2007 and is studying outdoor personal and religious development, said he's looking forward to seeing more variety in the curriculum.
But he's looking forward to the name change, too, he said.
"If nothing else, `Lenoir-Rhyne University' just sounds better," Thie said. "The university name is just going to enhance any degree you have. I'd rather graduate from a university than a college any day."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
3/7/08
Caregiver charged with murder after 2-year-old boy dies
Friday, March 7, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The caregiver of a 2-year-old boy who died last week is now facing murder charges, Newton police said.
Armando Hernandez Martinez was charged Thursday in the killing of Ethan Miguel Gibbs, who died Feb. 28 after a day in critical condition, said Sgt. Tracey Cline of the Newton Police Department.
The boy, Cline said, had a fractured skull, swelling and bleeding of the brain and bruises and cuts across his body. He also had what appeared to be human bite marks on his body. Cline would not say where he had been bitten.
Before Ethan died, Martinez, 27, had been charged with felony child abuse after the Catawba County Department of Social Services reported the child's injuries to police.
Martinez, who is not related to Ethan, was being held without bond Thursday at the Catawba County jail.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The caregiver of a 2-year-old boy who died last week is now facing murder charges, Newton police said.
Armando Hernandez Martinez was charged Thursday in the killing of Ethan Miguel Gibbs, who died Feb. 28 after a day in critical condition, said Sgt. Tracey Cline of the Newton Police Department.
The boy, Cline said, had a fractured skull, swelling and bleeding of the brain and bruises and cuts across his body. He also had what appeared to be human bite marks on his body. Cline would not say where he had been bitten.
Before Ethan died, Martinez, 27, had been charged with felony child abuse after the Catawba County Department of Social Services reported the child's injuries to police.
Martinez, who is not related to Ethan, was being held without bond Thursday at the Catawba County jail.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
TV show honors SWAT team member injured in standoff
Friday, March 7, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Burke County Sheriff's Office has long agreed that Martin Lawing is an all-star, but now he's getting some national credit too.
Lawing, a SWAT team member who was critically shot in a December standoff, has been nominated as one of "America's Most Wanted" All-Stars, which honor first responders who go above and beyond.
Lawing, a 31-year-old former Army Ranger, was shot in the neck Dec. 11 during a standoff and has since undergone several surgeries. Doctors are unsure if he'll walk again.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Burke County Sheriff's Office has long agreed that Martin Lawing is an all-star, but now he's getting some national credit too.
Lawing, a SWAT team member who was critically shot in a December standoff, has been nominated as one of "America's Most Wanted" All-Stars, which honor first responders who go above and beyond.
Lawing, a 31-year-old former Army Ranger, was shot in the neck Dec. 11 during a standoff and has since undergone several surgeries. Doctors are unsure if he'll walk again.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
3/5/08
Probe follows squashed protest
Among issues: Some staff lack American Sign Language fluency
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
State officials are looking at practices at the N.C. School for the Deaf after administrators last week squashed a protest planned by high school students and possibly some staff members.
Four students were suspended and three staff members put on administrative leave last week after school administrators stopped a protest that would have disrupted classes, said Dwight Pearson, director of the Office of Education Services, the state department that oversees the school.
Several students planned the protest to raise concerns they had about practices and policies at the Morganton institution, including cell phone use, athletics, quality of education and ability to communicate with all members of the staff, Pearson said.
He said students were not suspended for planning a protest but for "harassing other students." Neither Pearson nor school officials would say what prompted staff members to be put on leave, citing personnel laws, but said they were being investigated with regard to a single incident related to the protest.
Amid last week's controversy, Linda Lindsey, the school's director, said she would step down from the top post April 1 to take a job with the Office of Education Services in Raleigh. Principal Janet McDaniel will be interim director while the state launches a national search to fill the role.
Lindsey said the administration heard about the protest, which was planned to take place during the school day on Feb. 25, a few days beforehand.
"We became aware that (the protest) might involve a number of people from off campus," Lindsey said. "Monday was an operational day for us, and the safety of our students and staff is paramount all the time."
To learn more about the planned protest, administrators decided to talk with boarding students, who spend the week at the school and go home on weekends, when they returned to campus Sunday evening, Lindsey said.
About 20 high school students met with staff at the campus chapel and broke into small groups to talk about their concerns, Lindsey said. About 35 high school students live on the campus during the week, she said, and those who didn't know about the protest or didn't want to participate in the meeting were excused.
Students were separated during the meeting, Lindsey said, and created a list of wants and needs.
"We were trying to let it be the kids' meeting," she said.
Though some of their requests included being able to watch R-rated movies and play Mature-rated video games, other concerns revolved around quality of education and ability to communicate with administrators, said David Abundis, whose 15-year-old daughter, Danielle, is a sophomore at the school.
The school has procedures in place for students to bring their concerns to administrators, Lindsey said, such as going through representatives on the student body or by talking to or e-mailing staff requests for meetings.
Another big concern for some of the students and parents, Abundis said, was that Lindsey and some other staff were not fluent in American Sign Language.
"It's only fair for them to have administrators they can communicate with," said Abundis, who lives in Charlotte. "That's why the students are there in the first place."
Pearson and school administrators held a meeting with about 20 parents Thursday at the school to talk about the protest and any concerns. Because students who attend the school are from all over the western part of the state, not all parents were able to make the meeting.
Several issues were raised by parents, Pearson said, and in response state officials are planning to do an analysis that would look at executive communication, ways to improve education, fostering more parental involvement and getting all staff members involved in the total school program.
"We'll be looking at all the issues that are contributing to challenges at the school," he said.
About the N.C. School for the Deaf
The school, established in 1894, is one of two state institutions for the deaf and hearing impaired and serves day and boarding students ages 5 to 21.
The Morganton campus, about 70 miles northwest of Charlotte, caters to about 100 deaf and hearing-impaired students from across Western North Carolina and operates under the state's Office of Education Services in Raleigh.
The other facility, the Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf, is in Wilson and was established in 1964.
SOURCES: N.C. School for the Deaf and Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
State officials are looking at practices at the N.C. School for the Deaf after administrators last week squashed a protest planned by high school students and possibly some staff members.
Four students were suspended and three staff members put on administrative leave last week after school administrators stopped a protest that would have disrupted classes, said Dwight Pearson, director of the Office of Education Services, the state department that oversees the school.
Several students planned the protest to raise concerns they had about practices and policies at the Morganton institution, including cell phone use, athletics, quality of education and ability to communicate with all members of the staff, Pearson said.
He said students were not suspended for planning a protest but for "harassing other students." Neither Pearson nor school officials would say what prompted staff members to be put on leave, citing personnel laws, but said they were being investigated with regard to a single incident related to the protest.
Amid last week's controversy, Linda Lindsey, the school's director, said she would step down from the top post April 1 to take a job with the Office of Education Services in Raleigh. Principal Janet McDaniel will be interim director while the state launches a national search to fill the role.
Lindsey said the administration heard about the protest, which was planned to take place during the school day on Feb. 25, a few days beforehand.
"We became aware that (the protest) might involve a number of people from off campus," Lindsey said. "Monday was an operational day for us, and the safety of our students and staff is paramount all the time."
To learn more about the planned protest, administrators decided to talk with boarding students, who spend the week at the school and go home on weekends, when they returned to campus Sunday evening, Lindsey said.
About 20 high school students met with staff at the campus chapel and broke into small groups to talk about their concerns, Lindsey said. About 35 high school students live on the campus during the week, she said, and those who didn't know about the protest or didn't want to participate in the meeting were excused.
Students were separated during the meeting, Lindsey said, and created a list of wants and needs.
"We were trying to let it be the kids' meeting," she said.
Though some of their requests included being able to watch R-rated movies and play Mature-rated video games, other concerns revolved around quality of education and ability to communicate with administrators, said David Abundis, whose 15-year-old daughter, Danielle, is a sophomore at the school.
The school has procedures in place for students to bring their concerns to administrators, Lindsey said, such as going through representatives on the student body or by talking to or e-mailing staff requests for meetings.
Another big concern for some of the students and parents, Abundis said, was that Lindsey and some other staff were not fluent in American Sign Language.
"It's only fair for them to have administrators they can communicate with," said Abundis, who lives in Charlotte. "That's why the students are there in the first place."
Pearson and school administrators held a meeting with about 20 parents Thursday at the school to talk about the protest and any concerns. Because students who attend the school are from all over the western part of the state, not all parents were able to make the meeting.
Several issues were raised by parents, Pearson said, and in response state officials are planning to do an analysis that would look at executive communication, ways to improve education, fostering more parental involvement and getting all staff members involved in the total school program.
"We'll be looking at all the issues that are contributing to challenges at the school," he said.
About the N.C. School for the Deaf
The school, established in 1894, is one of two state institutions for the deaf and hearing impaired and serves day and boarding students ages 5 to 21.
The Morganton campus, about 70 miles northwest of Charlotte, caters to about 100 deaf and hearing-impaired students from across Western North Carolina and operates under the state's Office of Education Services in Raleigh.
The other facility, the Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf, is in Wilson and was established in 1964.
SOURCES: N.C. School for the Deaf and Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
3/4/08
Sightings lead to ASU lockdown
Police get calls on suspicious man, possibly with gun, around campus
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
By Marcie Young and Greg Lacour
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
BOONE -- Appalachian State University officials locked their campus down for 80 minutes Monday evening after receiving reports of a man with a gun near campus.
The lockdown at the campus in the N.C. mountains was ended a little more than an hour later without incident. ASU and Boone police did not find anyone with a gun, and police said Monday night they weren't certain the man, first spotted by a student in off-campus apartments, was armed.
The unidentified man remained at large late Monday. Classes are expected to resume as normal today.
The university canceled all Monday night classes and ordered buildings locked at 5:10 p.m. after receiving reports that a man with a gun was spotted earlier off-campus.
Chancellor Kenneth Peacock and other officials lifted the lockdown at 6:32 p.m., after campus police told them the man had not been seen again, said Lynn Drury, associate vice chancellor for communications at the university of about 16,000 students.
Drury said she didn't know how many people were forced to stay inside during the lockdown. Most faculty and staff had gone home for the evening, and most classes were over.
The university didn't want to take chances, Drury said, especially given the fatal campus shootings in the past year at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University.
"Given the same set of circumstances, I think we'd do the same thing over again," Drury said. "We can't be too cautious with the safety of our students, faculty and staff."
The first report regarding the man came in at 3:45 p.m. from an off-campus apartment on Hill Street, Boone police said, when the student who lived there returned home. The student told police that he saw a white male in a black Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" T-shirt, dark jacket, ski mask and red and green tennis shoes in his home.
The student said he also thought he saw a small black handgun.
The man ran from the apartment, police said, in the direction of the campus.
The first campus alert, which included a description of the man, went out at 4:14 p.m.; another went out at 4:28 p.m., Drury said.
Then, a little before 5 p.m., campus police received two reports, Drury said: one that the man was spotted at Sanford Hall, which contains the English and foreign languages departments, and another that he was at Welborn Cafeteria at the center of campus.
The two sightings prompted the lockdown, Drury said.
Campus police responded immediately and found no sign of the man, she said.
The lockdown came just hours after school officials sent a campus-wide e-mail to students updating them about plans for an emergency messaging service, said sophomore Lauren Hill of New Bern, who lives at the Appalachian Panhellenic Hall on campus.
"It was kind of strange because they just sent out an e-mail this morning," she said. "I was pleased with the way the university responded and kept us well-informed."
Hill and her roommate, junior Sarah Hord of Hickory, spent the evening inside their building while campus and Boone police asked people on campus to remain alert and report suspicious activity or sightings of the man.
The quick campus response was reassuring, Hord said.
"I wasn't scared and didn't have that feeling that this was going to be like Virginia Tech," Hord said. "It wasn't that severe, and by letting everyone know what was happening and making people aware was the best way to respond."
Many universities are deploying such systems in a response to last year's shootings at Virginia Tech, where a student gunman killed 32 people and himself.
"Everything's back to normal in the morning," Drury said. "I hope."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
UPDATE on story:
An Appalachian State University senior's attempt to avoid paying for a damaged apartment door led him to fabricate a story of a masked gunman in a Pink Floyd T-shirt running toward the Boone campus, police said Tuesday. That prompted authorities to lock down the university for more than an hour Monday evening.
Haney told the story of the gunman in a series of television interviews. It wasn't until Tuesday morning, when he was grilled by a Boone detective, that Haney conceded that it had all been a hoax -- a tale that got away from him. --The News & Observer
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
By Marcie Young and Greg Lacour
Charlotte Observer Staff Writers
BOONE -- Appalachian State University officials locked their campus down for 80 minutes Monday evening after receiving reports of a man with a gun near campus.
The lockdown at the campus in the N.C. mountains was ended a little more than an hour later without incident. ASU and Boone police did not find anyone with a gun, and police said Monday night they weren't certain the man, first spotted by a student in off-campus apartments, was armed.
The unidentified man remained at large late Monday. Classes are expected to resume as normal today.
The university canceled all Monday night classes and ordered buildings locked at 5:10 p.m. after receiving reports that a man with a gun was spotted earlier off-campus.
Chancellor Kenneth Peacock and other officials lifted the lockdown at 6:32 p.m., after campus police told them the man had not been seen again, said Lynn Drury, associate vice chancellor for communications at the university of about 16,000 students.
Drury said she didn't know how many people were forced to stay inside during the lockdown. Most faculty and staff had gone home for the evening, and most classes were over.
The university didn't want to take chances, Drury said, especially given the fatal campus shootings in the past year at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University.
"Given the same set of circumstances, I think we'd do the same thing over again," Drury said. "We can't be too cautious with the safety of our students, faculty and staff."
The first report regarding the man came in at 3:45 p.m. from an off-campus apartment on Hill Street, Boone police said, when the student who lived there returned home. The student told police that he saw a white male in a black Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" T-shirt, dark jacket, ski mask and red and green tennis shoes in his home.
The student said he also thought he saw a small black handgun.
The man ran from the apartment, police said, in the direction of the campus.
The first campus alert, which included a description of the man, went out at 4:14 p.m.; another went out at 4:28 p.m., Drury said.
Then, a little before 5 p.m., campus police received two reports, Drury said: one that the man was spotted at Sanford Hall, which contains the English and foreign languages departments, and another that he was at Welborn Cafeteria at the center of campus.
The two sightings prompted the lockdown, Drury said.
Campus police responded immediately and found no sign of the man, she said.
The lockdown came just hours after school officials sent a campus-wide e-mail to students updating them about plans for an emergency messaging service, said sophomore Lauren Hill of New Bern, who lives at the Appalachian Panhellenic Hall on campus.
"It was kind of strange because they just sent out an e-mail this morning," she said. "I was pleased with the way the university responded and kept us well-informed."
Hill and her roommate, junior Sarah Hord of Hickory, spent the evening inside their building while campus and Boone police asked people on campus to remain alert and report suspicious activity or sightings of the man.
The quick campus response was reassuring, Hord said.
"I wasn't scared and didn't have that feeling that this was going to be like Virginia Tech," Hord said. "It wasn't that severe, and by letting everyone know what was happening and making people aware was the best way to respond."
Many universities are deploying such systems in a response to last year's shootings at Virginia Tech, where a student gunman killed 32 people and himself.
"Everything's back to normal in the morning," Drury said. "I hope."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
UPDATE on story:
An Appalachian State University senior's attempt to avoid paying for a damaged apartment door led him to fabricate a story of a masked gunman in a Pink Floyd T-shirt running toward the Boone campus, police said Tuesday. That prompted authorities to lock down the university for more than an hour Monday evening.
Haney told the story of the gunman in a series of television interviews. It wasn't until Tuesday morning, when he was grilled by a Boone detective, that Haney conceded that it had all been a hoax -- a tale that got away from him. --The News & Observer
3/2/08
Housing market humming at lake
March 2, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
LAKE JAMES -- Across the nation, the housing market is feeling the crunch. Foreclosures are up, new building permits are down and home sales are sluggish.
But along Lake James, Burke and McDowell counties' gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, things aren't looking quite as glum.
"We've had just as much traffic this year, more actually, than this time last year," said Tim Miner, director of sales and marketing for Crescent communities at the lake.
Lake James has been touted in recent years as a retirement destination or mountain getaway for people wanting to build second homes, and that, said Realtor Broker Dianne Reihl, seems to have kept building booming.
"I just got a call from a man in Long Island (N.Y.)," she said. "The phones are ringing." Last week, she said, 43 homes and 188 lots were for sale along the lake in Burke and McDowell.
While permits to build new houses, townhomes and condos in Mecklenburg County last month plunged by 59 percent, compared with January 2007, Burke County has seen a steady rise in those permits since 2005.
Last year, 46 new permits were issued for building between the lake and Jonas Ridge in northern Burke, down from 50 permits in 2006 and up from 34 in 2005, said Taylor Dellinger, data analyst for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.
"(The lake region) is getting the most single-family homes of any area in the county," Dellinger said.
About 16 percent of all new permits in 2007 were on or around Lake James.
Developers and Burke planners say they haven't seen residue of the economic downturn in lakeside land and home sales. But Burke Planning Director Marc Collins said the poor housing market elsewhere in the country could make it difficult for people to buy before selling their homes.
"There's still the demand to locate here," he said. "But people in other areas are having problems selling their homes and that (could lead) to a slowdown here."
Residential development along Lake James began in the 1980s and has steadily grown over two decades to include about 24 communities on or near the water.
In years past, Miner said, people were building homes at the lake and reselling them for profit, but now developers are seeing more people who are planning on sticking around.
"People are buying so they can live here," he said. "That's been the trend for the last 2 1/2 years."
Lots at Crescent's developments range from $150,000 to more than $2 million, and homeowners building in several of the communities are filing permits for homes ranging from $400,000 to more than $1 million.
Property around the 6,500-acre lake is limited, Collins said, because of efforts to protect the area's natural beauty.
Lake James State Park grew by more than 480 percent in November 2004 when the state bought nearly 3,000 acres from Crescent Resources for $18 million.
The purchase increased the size of the park from 606 acres on the lake's south shore to 3,521 acres, creating the largest waterfront park in the state. The acquisition allowed state officials to conserve more than 24 miles of shoreline.
And that, Reihl said, is part of its appeal.
"It's such a great recreation area, and our winters are so mild," she said. "If you're coming from the Northeast, this looks pretty darn good."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
LAKE JAMES -- Across the nation, the housing market is feeling the crunch. Foreclosures are up, new building permits are down and home sales are sluggish.
But along Lake James, Burke and McDowell counties' gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, things aren't looking quite as glum.
"We've had just as much traffic this year, more actually, than this time last year," said Tim Miner, director of sales and marketing for Crescent communities at the lake.
Lake James has been touted in recent years as a retirement destination or mountain getaway for people wanting to build second homes, and that, said Realtor Broker Dianne Reihl, seems to have kept building booming.
"I just got a call from a man in Long Island (N.Y.)," she said. "The phones are ringing." Last week, she said, 43 homes and 188 lots were for sale along the lake in Burke and McDowell.
While permits to build new houses, townhomes and condos in Mecklenburg County last month plunged by 59 percent, compared with January 2007, Burke County has seen a steady rise in those permits since 2005.
Last year, 46 new permits were issued for building between the lake and Jonas Ridge in northern Burke, down from 50 permits in 2006 and up from 34 in 2005, said Taylor Dellinger, data analyst for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.
"(The lake region) is getting the most single-family homes of any area in the county," Dellinger said.
About 16 percent of all new permits in 2007 were on or around Lake James.
Developers and Burke planners say they haven't seen residue of the economic downturn in lakeside land and home sales. But Burke Planning Director Marc Collins said the poor housing market elsewhere in the country could make it difficult for people to buy before selling their homes.
"There's still the demand to locate here," he said. "But people in other areas are having problems selling their homes and that (could lead) to a slowdown here."
Residential development along Lake James began in the 1980s and has steadily grown over two decades to include about 24 communities on or near the water.
In years past, Miner said, people were building homes at the lake and reselling them for profit, but now developers are seeing more people who are planning on sticking around.
"People are buying so they can live here," he said. "That's been the trend for the last 2 1/2 years."
Lots at Crescent's developments range from $150,000 to more than $2 million, and homeowners building in several of the communities are filing permits for homes ranging from $400,000 to more than $1 million.
Property around the 6,500-acre lake is limited, Collins said, because of efforts to protect the area's natural beauty.
Lake James State Park grew by more than 480 percent in November 2004 when the state bought nearly 3,000 acres from Crescent Resources for $18 million.
The purchase increased the size of the park from 606 acres on the lake's south shore to 3,521 acres, creating the largest waterfront park in the state. The acquisition allowed state officials to conserve more than 24 miles of shoreline.
And that, Reihl said, is part of its appeal.
"It's such a great recreation area, and our winters are so mild," she said. "If you're coming from the Northeast, this looks pretty darn good."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
2/29/08
N.C. school for deaf director steps down
State administrator leaves amid controversy, planned student protest
Friday, Feb. 29, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The director of the N.C. School for the Deaf abruptly stepped down Thursday afternoon amid controversy over a protest students had planned at the school earlier this week.
The state announced that Linda Lindsey would be stepping down from the institution's top post while officials from the Office of Education Services were discussing a situation that took place on campus Sunday, said Lori Walston, Education Services spokeswoman.
Walston did not know many details about the planned protest, which apparently never took place, but said school staff met with concerned students Sunday evening. One issue, she said, was complaints about communication with administrators.
Lindsey, who is not fluent in American Sign Language but has taken classes, is aided by an interpreter when she speaks with students, Walston said.
Lindsey, has led the Morganton school since August 2004, and will remain in the position until an interim director takes over April 1, Walston said. She is not leaving the state system, Walston said, and will take a job with Education Services in Raleigh, the same division that oversees the school.
The School for the Deaf, established in 1894, is one of two state institutions for the deaf and hearing impaired and serves day and boarding students ages five to 21.
Before coming to the school, Lindsey worked with the state Department of Health and Human Services in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to a DHHS press release. Lindsey, who has a master's and a doctorate in education from N.C. State University, worked in education and management of residential services programs for children for several years before coming to the school.
Janet McDaniel, the school's principal, will take over as interim director beginning April 1 while the state launches a national search for a new director, Walston said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Friday, Feb. 29, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The director of the N.C. School for the Deaf abruptly stepped down Thursday afternoon amid controversy over a protest students had planned at the school earlier this week.
The state announced that Linda Lindsey would be stepping down from the institution's top post while officials from the Office of Education Services were discussing a situation that took place on campus Sunday, said Lori Walston, Education Services spokeswoman.
Walston did not know many details about the planned protest, which apparently never took place, but said school staff met with concerned students Sunday evening. One issue, she said, was complaints about communication with administrators.
Lindsey, who is not fluent in American Sign Language but has taken classes, is aided by an interpreter when she speaks with students, Walston said.
Lindsey, has led the Morganton school since August 2004, and will remain in the position until an interim director takes over April 1, Walston said. She is not leaving the state system, Walston said, and will take a job with Education Services in Raleigh, the same division that oversees the school.
The School for the Deaf, established in 1894, is one of two state institutions for the deaf and hearing impaired and serves day and boarding students ages five to 21.
Before coming to the school, Lindsey worked with the state Department of Health and Human Services in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to a DHHS press release. Lindsey, who has a master's and a doctorate in education from N.C. State University, worked in education and management of residential services programs for children for several years before coming to the school.
Janet McDaniel, the school's principal, will take over as interim director beginning April 1 while the state launches a national search for a new director, Walston said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
2/28/08
Man held on murder, assault charges
Darrell Wayne Buchanan's ex-wife's boyfriend was killed
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Newland man is facing murder and assault charges after a nearly 14-hour search and standoff in the Blue Ridge Mountains ended Wednesday.
Darrell Wayne Buchanan, 47, was charged Wednesday with murder and could face other felony charges, including kidnapping and assault on an officer with a deadly weapon.
His ex-wife's boyfriend, 49-year-old Thurman Ray Hudson, was killed Tuesday night in a dispute that later led to an overnight standoff at Hudson's Jonas Ridge home.
It all started shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, said Burke County sheriff's Maj. David Pendley, when a Burke deputy responded to a domestic dispute at Hudson's home.
Burke County asked for assistance from Avery County, and Avery sheriff's Sgt. Mike Ellenburg arrived first, Pendley said.
Lola Mae Carpenter Buchanan flagged Ellenburg down as she drove from the home in a Jeep. Darrell Buchanan was sitting in the passenger seat, Pendley said.
Authorities said the woman screamed that her ex-husband was going to kill her and would try to injure Ellenburg.
Ellenburg told authorities he then saw the man point the rifle at him. He drove away from the Jeep and heard a shot. When he turned around to pursue the Jeep, he told authorities he saw the man get out and fire several shots at the patrol car.
Ellenburg was not hit, but received minor injuries when bullets shattered the windows. The Jeep, meanwhile, returned to the mobile home, Pendley said.
That's when Burke Deputy Scott Bray arrived, Pendley said. Authorities got closer and saw Hudson's 11-year-old twin boys screaming in the front yard. Their father, pronounced dead a short time later, was lying nearby, authorities said.
The man jumped out of the Jeep, Pendley said, and ran behind the home.
Authorities were not sure if the man had gone into the home or into the woods, so SWAT team members from Burke and Avery counties, Hickory and other municipalities surrounded the area.
After several hours, they got the man in the home on the phone, Pendley said, and by 11:50 a.m. Wednesday persuaded him to come out.
Buchanan was treated for at least one bullet wound in his left arm, Pendley said. Burke Sheriff John McDevitt said in a press release that investigators "know that it didn't come from any law enforcement officers."
Darrell Buchanan was being held in a Burke County jail Wednesday.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Newland man is facing murder and assault charges after a nearly 14-hour search and standoff in the Blue Ridge Mountains ended Wednesday.
Darrell Wayne Buchanan, 47, was charged Wednesday with murder and could face other felony charges, including kidnapping and assault on an officer with a deadly weapon.
His ex-wife's boyfriend, 49-year-old Thurman Ray Hudson, was killed Tuesday night in a dispute that later led to an overnight standoff at Hudson's Jonas Ridge home.
It all started shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, said Burke County sheriff's Maj. David Pendley, when a Burke deputy responded to a domestic dispute at Hudson's home.
Burke County asked for assistance from Avery County, and Avery sheriff's Sgt. Mike Ellenburg arrived first, Pendley said.
Lola Mae Carpenter Buchanan flagged Ellenburg down as she drove from the home in a Jeep. Darrell Buchanan was sitting in the passenger seat, Pendley said.
Authorities said the woman screamed that her ex-husband was going to kill her and would try to injure Ellenburg.
Ellenburg told authorities he then saw the man point the rifle at him. He drove away from the Jeep and heard a shot. When he turned around to pursue the Jeep, he told authorities he saw the man get out and fire several shots at the patrol car.
Ellenburg was not hit, but received minor injuries when bullets shattered the windows. The Jeep, meanwhile, returned to the mobile home, Pendley said.
That's when Burke Deputy Scott Bray arrived, Pendley said. Authorities got closer and saw Hudson's 11-year-old twin boys screaming in the front yard. Their father, pronounced dead a short time later, was lying nearby, authorities said.
The man jumped out of the Jeep, Pendley said, and ran behind the home.
Authorities were not sure if the man had gone into the home or into the woods, so SWAT team members from Burke and Avery counties, Hickory and other municipalities surrounded the area.
After several hours, they got the man in the home on the phone, Pendley said, and by 11:50 a.m. Wednesday persuaded him to come out.
Buchanan was treated for at least one bullet wound in his left arm, Pendley said. Burke Sheriff John McDevitt said in a press release that investigators "know that it didn't come from any law enforcement officers."
Darrell Buchanan was being held in a Burke County jail Wednesday.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
2/27/08
Man accused of rape makes 1st court appearance
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY A Hickory man charged with several felonies, including a rape from three weeks ago, made his first appearance in court Tuesday.
Hickory police charged Floyd Lee Bonds, 43, Monday night with first-degree rape, first-degree attempted burglary, kidnapping and assault inflicting serious injury, said Capt. Thurman Whisnant.
Bonds was charged in connection with a Feb. 2 rape at a northwest Hickory home. Police said a man pried open the side door of the house and sexually assaulted a woman who was there alone.
Authorities spoke to Bonds and several other people of interest in the days following the assault, Whisnant said, but did not file charges until Monday evening when the State Bureau of Investigation returned evidence linking him to the crimes.
Police have no indication that the woman knew the man who assaulted her, Whisnant said, and cases of rape by a stranger are rare in Hickory.
Bonds was being held Tuesday at the Catawba County jail on a $250,000 secured bond.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY A Hickory man charged with several felonies, including a rape from three weeks ago, made his first appearance in court Tuesday.
Hickory police charged Floyd Lee Bonds, 43, Monday night with first-degree rape, first-degree attempted burglary, kidnapping and assault inflicting serious injury, said Capt. Thurman Whisnant.
Bonds was charged in connection with a Feb. 2 rape at a northwest Hickory home. Police said a man pried open the side door of the house and sexually assaulted a woman who was there alone.
Authorities spoke to Bonds and several other people of interest in the days following the assault, Whisnant said, but did not file charges until Monday evening when the State Bureau of Investigation returned evidence linking him to the crimes.
Police have no indication that the woman knew the man who assaulted her, Whisnant said, and cases of rape by a stranger are rare in Hickory.
Bonds was being held Tuesday at the Catawba County jail on a $250,000 secured bond.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
2/26/08
Broughton seeks to win back funding
Reviews are next step to regain ability to bill Medicare, Medicaid
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Officials at Broughton Hospital, one of the state's four mental health facilities, said Monday they are ready for inspectors to return and reinstate federal funding.
Broughton has gone without Medicaid and Medicare funding since August, when the federal government decided to halt payments amid concerns over a patient death and another patient injury.
The state responded to the cuts - about $1 million a month - by sending a team of doctors and administrators to the Morganton facility to identify and fix problems, reorganize clinical staff and retrain every employee, from housekeepers to doctors.
Now, Broughton officials are asking that the federal government review the hospital's progress and allow it to bill Medicare and Medicaid, said Director Art Robarge. About 98 percent of the hospital's annual, third-party insurance revenue comes from such funding.
Since August, a team of state doctors and consultants has been working at Broughton to correct problems and improve care. They've focused, Robarge said, on finding ways to reduce the physical restriction of patients, revamping policies about patient falls and infection control, and reorganizing staff to ensure better clinical supervision.
"We've gone back to the drawing board, read the standards and (drawn) out a plan to make sure it's appropriate for Broughton Hospital," he said. "(We want to make sure) that what folks are doing here is in compliance with those standards."
Broughton has also been recovering from a series of hits since August, including threats that it could lose its accreditation and a shake-up in leadership when Seth Hunt was dismissed as director and Robarge, who led the hospital from 1986 to 1989, took over.
Robarge said he sent a letter Friday to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, asking that inspectors visit the hospital soon and assess changes the hospital has made.
If everything goes as anticipated, Robarge said, inspectors should make their initial visit to the hospital within two to four weeks. On the first visit, Robarge said, inspectors will evaluate how staff members handle aggressive patients and how they keep those situations from escalating.
The February 2007 death of 27-year-old Anthony Lowery, who died of cardiac arrhythmia after a staff member sat on his torso while trying to restrain him, was one of two incidents that led the federal government to stop Medicaid and Medicare payments.
Situations where staff members have had to physically restrain patients, Robarge said, have dropped 40 percent to 60 percent since last year.
"There has been a tremendous effort to become creative at all levels and use restrictive methods only when absolutely necessary," he said.
If Broughton passes the first inspection, which Robarge said is likely, inspectors will come back to the hospital again within 30 days to make sure it is meeting other standards set by the federal government.
Even if Broughton meets all the federal government's standards during the initial and follow-up inspections, Robarge said it will still take at least an additional 45 to 75 days before Medicaid and Medicare funding is reinstated.
Broughton serves about 4,000 patients each year from the state's 37 westernmost counties and has about 1,200 employees and a $77 million budget.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Officials at Broughton Hospital, one of the state's four mental health facilities, said Monday they are ready for inspectors to return and reinstate federal funding.
Broughton has gone without Medicaid and Medicare funding since August, when the federal government decided to halt payments amid concerns over a patient death and another patient injury.
The state responded to the cuts - about $1 million a month - by sending a team of doctors and administrators to the Morganton facility to identify and fix problems, reorganize clinical staff and retrain every employee, from housekeepers to doctors.
Now, Broughton officials are asking that the federal government review the hospital's progress and allow it to bill Medicare and Medicaid, said Director Art Robarge. About 98 percent of the hospital's annual, third-party insurance revenue comes from such funding.
Since August, a team of state doctors and consultants has been working at Broughton to correct problems and improve care. They've focused, Robarge said, on finding ways to reduce the physical restriction of patients, revamping policies about patient falls and infection control, and reorganizing staff to ensure better clinical supervision.
"We've gone back to the drawing board, read the standards and (drawn) out a plan to make sure it's appropriate for Broughton Hospital," he said. "(We want to make sure) that what folks are doing here is in compliance with those standards."
Broughton has also been recovering from a series of hits since August, including threats that it could lose its accreditation and a shake-up in leadership when Seth Hunt was dismissed as director and Robarge, who led the hospital from 1986 to 1989, took over.
Robarge said he sent a letter Friday to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, asking that inspectors visit the hospital soon and assess changes the hospital has made.
If everything goes as anticipated, Robarge said, inspectors should make their initial visit to the hospital within two to four weeks. On the first visit, Robarge said, inspectors will evaluate how staff members handle aggressive patients and how they keep those situations from escalating.
The February 2007 death of 27-year-old Anthony Lowery, who died of cardiac arrhythmia after a staff member sat on his torso while trying to restrain him, was one of two incidents that led the federal government to stop Medicaid and Medicare payments.
Situations where staff members have had to physically restrain patients, Robarge said, have dropped 40 percent to 60 percent since last year.
"There has been a tremendous effort to become creative at all levels and use restrictive methods only when absolutely necessary," he said.
If Broughton passes the first inspection, which Robarge said is likely, inspectors will come back to the hospital again within 30 days to make sure it is meeting other standards set by the federal government.
Even if Broughton meets all the federal government's standards during the initial and follow-up inspections, Robarge said it will still take at least an additional 45 to 75 days before Medicaid and Medicare funding is reinstated.
Broughton serves about 4,000 patients each year from the state's 37 westernmost counties and has about 1,200 employees and a $77 million budget.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
2/24/08
Book too raw for school?
Burke board member objects to novel 'Kite Runner'
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Forty years ago, it was "The Catcher in the Rye."
Today, in Burke County, it's the fictional story of two boys growing up in pre-Taliban Afghanistan.
"The Kite Runner," a New York Times bestselling book taught earlier this year to a Freedom High School honors class, has drawn recent criticism from at least one member of the Burke County school board because of a scene of male rape and use of profanities.
Board member Tracy Norman last week asked that the novel be pulled from the county's public school system curriculum because she believes the content is inappropriate for high schoolers.
"We have a responsibility to the students in our system," Norman said. "I don't think it's the public schools' place to be the one exposing them to this."
But others, including parents and at least one other board member, said banning "The Kite Runner" because it describes a scene of sexual violence, alludes to molestation and includes profanities could compromise the students' educational experiences.
"It's not about vulgarity or the rape scene that's depicted," said board member Buddy Armour. "It's a look into the culture, and there's value there. Our kids need to know a little bit about the world, and it's not all pretty and lovely."
Cultural education
The book, which was adapted as a movie in 2007, was taught earlier this semester to a 10th-grade world literature class at Freedom High and was picked as one of four books meant to teach the honors students about other parts of the world, said Randal Garrison, the head of the school's English department.
"Our curriculum was just updated to try to do a good job at acknowledging other groups of people and cultures," he said. "We have a well-recognized canon. It's not just about teaching Greek and Roman (literature)."
Norman's recommendation last week to pull the book from the county's educational curriculum wasn't honored by the school board, which opted instead to rely on the system's challenge procedure.
The policy, instated in late 2006, allows parents and members of the community to file official complaints about material they think may not be appropriate for underage students, said Superintendent David Burleson.
Once a challenge is made, he said, a media advisory committee of teachers, parents and students will review the complaint and content and decide whether the material should be barred from the curriculum.
But the decision, Burleson said, cannot be made by just one person.
"Where do you draw the line? That's a fair and valid question," Burleson said. "You draw the line based on your community make-up and what the community expects that's why we have the advisory committee."
About the book
"The Kite Runner," which was meant to be taught this year by three teachers at Freedom, gives a cultural and historical account of Afghanistan from the late 1970s through the Soviet invasion and into the Taliban regime.
The book will not be read by any other classes until the issue is resolved, Burleson said.
Norman, who was contacted by a parent with concerns about the rape scene, said the book's story line is strong, but she worries that teenagers are being forced into reading content that's too mature for a high-school setting.
There must be other ways, she said, to teach students about other cultures without depending on scenes of sexual abuse and books with foul language.
"Does the benefit outweigh the exposure? I don't think it does," she said. "Anything in our school curriculum that has foul language and these issues (doesn't) belong in the classroom."
But Tony Matthews, who has a 10th-grade daughter at Patton High School and is the pastor at North Morganton United Methodist Church, said literature is a powerful tool for teaching lessons about the world.
"The point of the book was to show the horrors of living under an oppressive regime such as the Taliban," Matthews said. "Getting a set of facts on a piece of paper is a way to sterilize the problem. A character in a book becomes someone you're familiar with and you bond with. By telling the story in a piece of fiction it makes the horrors more real."
High school students are not naive, he said, and are capable of handling difficult material, especially when they are guided through it by a trained and professional teacher.
The concern, Norman said, is not only with "The Kite Runner" but with all books that use profane language and include graphic sex scenes and other potentially offensive material.
But Armour said what Norman is proposing borders on censorship. If "The Kite Runner" is banned from Burke schools, he said, other material will likely also be forced from the curriculum.
"If you start tossing out the books that might be offensive, you won't have anything left," he said.
What's happening at other schools
The Hickory and Newton-Conover school systems and Alexander, Caldwell and Catawba counties have similar procedures for banning books, although none have had challenges in recent years.
Catawba County Schools approved "The Kite Runner" last year, said spokeswoman Carleen Crawford, and it is being taught to at least one advanced English class. Caldwell County is considering adding the book to its curriculum next year, said spokeswoman Libby Brown.
Staff Writer Jen Aronoff contributed
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Forty years ago, it was "The Catcher in the Rye."
Today, in Burke County, it's the fictional story of two boys growing up in pre-Taliban Afghanistan.
"The Kite Runner," a New York Times bestselling book taught earlier this year to a Freedom High School honors class, has drawn recent criticism from at least one member of the Burke County school board because of a scene of male rape and use of profanities.
Board member Tracy Norman last week asked that the novel be pulled from the county's public school system curriculum because she believes the content is inappropriate for high schoolers.
"We have a responsibility to the students in our system," Norman said. "I don't think it's the public schools' place to be the one exposing them to this."
But others, including parents and at least one other board member, said banning "The Kite Runner" because it describes a scene of sexual violence, alludes to molestation and includes profanities could compromise the students' educational experiences.
"It's not about vulgarity or the rape scene that's depicted," said board member Buddy Armour. "It's a look into the culture, and there's value there. Our kids need to know a little bit about the world, and it's not all pretty and lovely."
Cultural education
The book, which was adapted as a movie in 2007, was taught earlier this semester to a 10th-grade world literature class at Freedom High and was picked as one of four books meant to teach the honors students about other parts of the world, said Randal Garrison, the head of the school's English department.
"Our curriculum was just updated to try to do a good job at acknowledging other groups of people and cultures," he said. "We have a well-recognized canon. It's not just about teaching Greek and Roman (literature)."
Norman's recommendation last week to pull the book from the county's educational curriculum wasn't honored by the school board, which opted instead to rely on the system's challenge procedure.
The policy, instated in late 2006, allows parents and members of the community to file official complaints about material they think may not be appropriate for underage students, said Superintendent David Burleson.
Once a challenge is made, he said, a media advisory committee of teachers, parents and students will review the complaint and content and decide whether the material should be barred from the curriculum.
But the decision, Burleson said, cannot be made by just one person.
"Where do you draw the line? That's a fair and valid question," Burleson said. "You draw the line based on your community make-up and what the community expects that's why we have the advisory committee."
About the book
"The Kite Runner," which was meant to be taught this year by three teachers at Freedom, gives a cultural and historical account of Afghanistan from the late 1970s through the Soviet invasion and into the Taliban regime.
The book will not be read by any other classes until the issue is resolved, Burleson said.
Norman, who was contacted by a parent with concerns about the rape scene, said the book's story line is strong, but she worries that teenagers are being forced into reading content that's too mature for a high-school setting.
There must be other ways, she said, to teach students about other cultures without depending on scenes of sexual abuse and books with foul language.
"Does the benefit outweigh the exposure? I don't think it does," she said. "Anything in our school curriculum that has foul language and these issues (doesn't) belong in the classroom."
But Tony Matthews, who has a 10th-grade daughter at Patton High School and is the pastor at North Morganton United Methodist Church, said literature is a powerful tool for teaching lessons about the world.
"The point of the book was to show the horrors of living under an oppressive regime such as the Taliban," Matthews said. "Getting a set of facts on a piece of paper is a way to sterilize the problem. A character in a book becomes someone you're familiar with and you bond with. By telling the story in a piece of fiction it makes the horrors more real."
High school students are not naive, he said, and are capable of handling difficult material, especially when they are guided through it by a trained and professional teacher.
The concern, Norman said, is not only with "The Kite Runner" but with all books that use profane language and include graphic sex scenes and other potentially offensive material.
But Armour said what Norman is proposing borders on censorship. If "The Kite Runner" is banned from Burke schools, he said, other material will likely also be forced from the curriculum.
"If you start tossing out the books that might be offensive, you won't have anything left," he said.
What's happening at other schools
The Hickory and Newton-Conover school systems and Alexander, Caldwell and Catawba counties have similar procedures for banning books, although none have had challenges in recent years.
Catawba County Schools approved "The Kite Runner" last year, said spokeswoman Carleen Crawford, and it is being taught to at least one advanced English class. Caldwell County is considering adding the book to its curriculum next year, said spokeswoman Libby Brown.
Staff Writer Jen Aronoff contributed
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
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